Andy Bush takes a look at Ludwig's friends, frenemies and the significant members of his family. References to X-men, index fingers and Bond villains also feature.

The guests in this episode are conductor Karin Hendrickson, composer and Scala Radio presenter Jack Pepper, cellist Matthew Barley and clarinettist Julian Bliss.

The extracts of Beethoven’s Symphonies 5 & 9 are performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra; LPO Label releases are available on all major streaming platforms and at lpo.org.uk/recordings. The recordings of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos 3 & 4 are performed by Elizabeth Sombart and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Piano Concerto No.5 is performed by Alessio Bax and the Southbank Sinfonia - all are available at https://signumrecords.com