So much so that Beethoven took advantage of one of Haydn's visits to London early in 1974 to obtain tuition elsewhere. Beethoven grew up during the period of the French Revolution and believed passionately in the revolutionary ideals of 'Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood'. He welcomed Napolean's rise to power, seeing it as a step towards a more just society, and planned his 'Third Symphony' as a tribute to his hero. But in 1804 when Napolean crowned himself Emperor, Beethoven felt betrayed and scratched out the dedication of his newly completed symphony to Napolean, and let it be known simply as his 'Eroica', or 'Heroic' Symphony 'Eroica' is perhaps the most epic funeral march in history, written initially by this musical giant, for another giant, the great Napolean. Anguish breaks through as Beethoven launches into a tremendous fugue, building up to a passage like the howling of the wind.
Clarion calls on brass sound the climax before the music subsides.
The conclusion once again picks up the heavy sombre tread, like that of a defeated army. The piece ends with the original themes fragmented, leaving only a pervading sense of desolation. His only opera 'Fidelio' broke new ground with its expression of political and human idealism. The story concerns a Spanish nobleman, Florestan who has been unjustly imprisoned. In the hope of rescuing him, his wife Leonora goes to the prison disguised as a boy, Fidelio.