Probably the best well-known composition and one of the most frequently played symphonies. Composed by Beethoven, its famousness is mainly due to its power and how it represents triumph over adversity. According to Beethoven's biographer Anton Schindler, its famous four-note opening represents the "fate" that Beethoven wants to overcome, because he was experiencing deafness and depression. The continuous repetition of the "fate motif" creates a sense of urgency and intensity and represents the conflict between the individual hero and larger forces. The shocking opening of this music which brings the orchestra to its limits represents Beethoven's struggle with his fate and at the end of the first movement, a sense of rising above the struggle is given.