Beethoven's monumental Symphony No. 5 in C minor is arguably the composer's most famous work, with a forceful energy and renewing quality that warrants the centuries of reverence surrounding this colossal work. The same impetus that drives Beethoven's Fifth pushes Stravinsky's ballet The Firebird, a breakthrough piece, very much like Beethoven's, set in the 20th century. The potency of both works is underscored by the relaxed lyricism of Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, which continues to delight and warm the hearts of its listeners.

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