Ludwig van Beethoven's 5th Symphony from 1807/08 begins with four notes that are among the most famous beginnings of works in music history. Its universe, according to a popular interpretation, is the individual and his fate. This is why it unofficially bears the German nickname ‘Fate Symphony’, which was not given to it by Beethoven. The composer struggled with his early onset of deafness. He found the strength not to despair in composing and also wanted to uplift his fellow human beings in distress: ‘Anyone who knows my music cannot become completely despondent.’