FAQ About Beethoven (Ludwig van Beethoven)

Beethoven’s compositions evolved significantly throughout his life, generally categorized into three periods. His early period, marked by the "Classical" style of Haydn and Mozart, saw works like the first two symphonies and first few piano sonatas. The middle, or "heroic," period reflects more dramatic and ambitious works amidst his struggles with deafness, including his Third Symphony ("Eroica") and Symphony No. 5. The late period is characterized by more complex and personal expressions, found in works like the Ninth Symphony and the late string quartets.