Ludwig van Beethoven, (1770-1827) was a German composer and virtuoso pianist. He was an important figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music, and remains one of the most famous and influential musicians of all time. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 was written in 1804-08. This symphony is one of the most popular and well-known compositions in all of European classical music, and one of the most often-played symphonies. The symphony, and the four-note opening motif in particular, are well known worldwide, with the motif appearing frequently in popular culture, film, and television. The composer himself provided the key to these depths when one day, in his secretary's presence, he pointed to the beginning of the first movement and expressed in these words the fundamental idea of his work: "Thus Fate knocks at the door!"
