Listening To Beethoven's 'Eroica' As A New President Takes Office

Beethoven began writing his third symphony, the "Eroica," when he was inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte, then a hero of the French Revolution.

But by the time the symphony was finished, the composer dedicated it "to the memory of a great man," even though Napoleon was still alive.

Classical music writer Fran Hoepfner (@franhoepfner) joins Here & Now's Robin Young to explain what was revolutionary about Beethoven's "Eroica."