Symphonies No. 2, No. 5

Symphonies No. 2 and No. 5 are orchestral symphonies by Ludwig van Beethoven, composed in 1802 and 1808 respectively. They chart Beethoven's progression from the Classical traditions of his early career into his middle 'heroic' period, with No. 2 retaining classical forms and phrasing while No. 5 is characterised by driving rhythmic motifs, expanded orchestration and concentrated motivic development that shaped later symphonic practice.