Listen to the Story Behind Beethoven's Masterpiece 'Ode to Joy'

Among history's greatest composers—Bach, Handel, Mozart—one name stands apart: Ludwig van Beethoven. This is the story of a musical genius who faced an unthinkable fate. Just as he reached the height of his craft, Beethoven began losing his hearing. Instead of surrendering to his imparement he vowed to "seize fate by the throat" and composed his most transcendent work—a symphony so powerful it continues to move listeners today. Listen to our latest episode of how adversity transformed someone who was great into an even greater creative force and explore the story behind one of the most beloved pieces of music ever written.