Anne Gray provides engaging biographies and inspiring anecdotes about generations of composers. She discusses the great operatic composers and their works, as well as musical comedy, ballet, and chamber and program music. Also highlighted are the social and cultural advances that changed the way music was written and performed, as well as definitions of key musical terms.

Written for all music lovers, Dr. Gray's guide covers the genre of classical music, from great compositions like Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, to the works of lesser-known nationalistic and modern composers.

What Beethoven Heard affords occasional concertgoers and aficionados alike a better understanding of classical music, from its source to its high fidelity future.