Overview - Minuet in G
Beethoven’s compositions have been divided into his early, middle, and late works. His virtuosic piano compositions were works of art that inspired generations of composers. The introspective piano works of his third period were an obvious transition into of the Romantic age of the Virtuoso.

Overview - First Movement from Symphony No.5 in C minor
Beethoven’s first five symphonies were just the tip of the iceberg. He toiled over every note and created melodies that are used everywhere from the symphony hall to cartoon land. Beethoven continued to compose symphonies even after he was deaf. At his last, and greatest, his Ninth Symphony, he had to be turned around to see the audience because he couldn't hear the applause.

Overview - Bagatelle from Fur Elise Wo059
Beethoven’s last period, when he was approaching total deafness, was his most emotional. Beethoven’s ability to look within himself and express his innermost feelings of pain and sorrow through music are obvious in this bagatelle that he composed for his niece. This is why Beethoven is considered a transitional composer from the Classical era into the Romantic era.