This document discusses Beethoven's middle or "heroic" period of composition between 1803-1812. It notes that this was one of Beethoven's most productive periods, producing many magnificent works. It examines characteristics of the heroic style, including dramatic harmonic and textural changes, segmented melodic phrases, and accents on rhythm. As an example, it analyzes Beethoven's String Quartet Op. 59 No. 3, noting places of sudden stops and high solo passages. It contrasts this with an earlier work to show the disconnected phrases of the heroic style.