Beethoven Symphony no. 2 in D Major, Op. 36

Symphony no. 2, is a work in four movements written by Beethoven between 1801-2 and dedicated to Karl Alois, Prince Lichnowsky. Around this time, his deafness was becoming more apparent and he began to realize that it might be incurable. A scherzo takes the minuet's place, giving the composition even greater scope and energy. Both scherzo and finale are filled with vulgar musical jokes, which shocked the sensibilities of many contemporary critics.