BBC Arts has commissioned Beethoven: Rise of a Genius, a three-part documentary-drama series for BBC Two and iPlayer that will mark the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death on 26 March 1827, the BBC reported. The series, produced by 72 Films, combines Beethoven’s own letters and conversation books with immersive sound design and the expertise of Deaf contributors to examine how the composer created his greatest works while losing his hearing.
Beethoven began experiencing progressive hearing loss at age 27, around the same time he started producing his first masterpieces, and was completely deaf by the time he died in Vienna three decades later. The new series traces that arc, from ambitious young virtuoso to the composer of the Fifth Symphony, the Moonlight Sonata and the Ninth Symphony’s “Ode to Joy.”
How the Series Will Recreate Beethoven’s Sound World
The production draws on the lived experience of Deaf people and experts, including LumoTV, a commissioning body dedicated to sign language content, and the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), which supports the more than 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, according to the BBC. Immersive sound design will track Beethoven’s changing relationship with his hearing as it deteriorated.
On-screen interviewees include musician Jon Batiste, actor Sir Simon Russell Beale, percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and composer Sir George Benjamin. His music will be performed by Jeremy Denk, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jonathan Biss and Nicky Spence.
What the Producers Say About the Story
Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, said the series aims to shed light on Beethoven’s creativity “alongside the loss of his hearing, in an era where deafness was little understood.” She described Beethoven as “the musician who speaks most directly to the human soul,” citing his “dazzling empathy, profound musical invention and his own resilience.”
David Glover, co-founder and CEO of 72 Films, said the series tells the story of a man who became deaf and lost his health, money, family and the woman he loved — and whose music grew greater as everything else worsened. “He channels his deafness into his music,” Glover said.
The series also examines Beethoven’s personal relationships: his affair with the aristocratic woman he called his “Immortal Beloved,” his difficult guardianship of his nephew Karl after his brother’s death, and his resentful dependence on the Viennese aristocracy.
Other BBC Programming for the Anniversary
Around the anniversary, the BBC will offer additional content such as a special edition of You’re Dead to Me recorded at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, with presenter Greg Jenner, comedian Mike Wozniak, musicologist Laura Tunbridge and conductor Levon Parikian for BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 3, BBC Sounds, BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. CBBC’s Horrible Histories: Banging Beethoven Special will feature the BBC Concert Orchestra and James McNicholas. Further programming will be announced later.
Production Credits
Beethoven: Rise of a Genius is produced by 72 Films for BBC Two and iPlayer, ZDF and PBS. Executive producers are David Glover and Michael Waldman; Julian Jones is series director. It was commissioned for BBC Arts by Suzy Klein, with Mark Bell as commissioning editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Beethoven: Rise of a Genius air?
The series is timed for spring 2027, when the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death falls on 26 March 1827. The BBC has not yet announced specific broadcast dates.
How many episodes are in the series?
Three. The BBC describes it as a three-part series combining documentary and drama.
Who advised on deafness in the production?
LumoTV, a commissioning body dedicated to sign language content, and the RNID, the national charity for deaf people and those with hearing loss, provided expertise and support, according to the BBC.
The anniversary commemorations continue through spring 2027, with the BBC promising further TV and radio programming to be announced in due course.
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