In this earliest period, the composer followed in the footsteps of his great predecessors, Haydn and Mozart. From this period come, among others, 1st and 2nd symphonies, the first 6 string quartets, the first three piano concertos, and several piano sonatas, including the so-called "Pathetique" and "Lunar"
The middle period began in a period of personal crisis caused by progressive deafness. At that time, he preferred large forms carrying the idea of heroism and fighting against fate. Six symphonies come from this period, the Piano Concerto, the Triple Concerto, the Violin Concerto, and piano sonatas, among others. the so-called "Waldsteinian and "Appassionata", the "Kreutzerian" violin sonata, and the composer's only opera "Fidelio"
The Romantic (late) period began around 1815 when his works began to be characterized by great intellectual depth and strong personal expression. From this period comes, for example, the String Quartet op. 131, composed of seven interconnected parts, and in the finale of the Ninth Symphony, the orchestra is joined by a quartet of soloists and a mixed choir. Other works from this period include the symphonic mass Missa Solemnis, "Golitsyn Quartets and the Great Fugue" and the last five piano sonatas, including "Hammerklavier"
