Through an important episode in the life of Ludwig van Beethoven, Régis Penet paints the portrait of a humanist genius who refused to submit to the powerful. 1 VOLUME RELEASED - INDEPENDENT STORIES. "Tell the French that there is still one man in Austria who is not subject to them, and that he does not bear any title!" 1806. The great Napoleonic conquests are underway and Austria is now occupied by French troops. One fateful night, while preparing to host a group of the occupying officers, von Lichnowsky requests—and then demands—Beethoven play for his guests to show “what remains of a prince of Austria.” But Beethoven is insubordinate, not only towards the victors—these “servants of tyranny”—but towards his own protector who attempts to exploit him. By refusing to play, Ludwig van Beethoven declares himself a free man and would remain such for the rest of his life.