Beethoven is special in another sense, in the unique position he occupies between the eighteenth-century Viennese Classical style and nineteenth-century Romanticism. Beethoven’s roots were firmly Classical. He was a student of Haydn when the latter was at the height of his fame. Beethoven remained committed to the principles of the Classical style until the end of his life.

Committed to the principles of Classicism — but not to every one of its features, and certainly not to the mood behind it. There is almost always a sense of urgency and striving in Beethoven’s music that makes it instantly distinguishable from Haydn’s or Mozart’s. It can be very violent; it can be solemn, severe, or exceptionally gentle. These qualities emerged in response to Romantic stirrings that are the subject of our next chapter.