Beethoven’s 250th Birthday Guest: Jan Swafford, author, "Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph" He wanted to be known by everyday people, and in that his music has certainly succeeded. What most people don't know is how tortured and difficult Beethoven's life was.  What Are Maestros Really Doing on Stage? Guest: James Gaffigan, Chief Conductor, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, and Principal Guest Conductor, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra Conducting an orchestra is so much more than keeping time. Conductors must make an emotional connection with the musicians if the performance is to succeed.