In 1809 Beethoven was commissioned to compose an overture for the Vienna premiere of the play by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This play was an interpretation of Count Egmont’s struggle for Dutch liberty against the rule of Spain in the 16th-century. In the play, Egmont is imprisoned and sentenced to death. Before his death, he delivers an inspiring speech and his execution becomes a martyrdom in the fight against oppression. The work that Beethoven composed begins with powerful, and yet almost ominous chords that reflect the ideas and characters of the play. The development beautifully shapes into moments of tragedy that resolve at the ending in brilliant triumph.