Ludwig von Beethoven lived in the age that we now know as the Classical Period, which was around the early 19th century. It was known as this because of the particular type of music that was composed and played. This music was often simpler than earlier compositions and was thus more accessible to the lower and middle class citizens as they began to demand greater access to art and music. It was simple and catchy and meant that not only the minority of highly educated, upper class could listen to it.
             Music was not the only thing to be changing at this time. Some of the other changes included greater education for the lower classes, the industrial revolution was just starting, challenge to the idea of monarchy and above all the expansion of the Sciences. The classical Period was an exciting time to be living and saw many advances in human culture and the sciences.
             The classical period started around the late 18th century and continued through until the early 19th century. It was a pivotal time in the year that shaped our modern society and ways of thinking as well as appreciation of the arts. The Sciences also became prominent and this led to Newton defining the laws of Physics. The main cause behind this was the liberal thinking monarchs of the time as well as the disestablishment of these same monarchies in many countries. Often they were stripped of their powers but kept as symbolic families.
             During this time some of the greatest composers came to the attention of the public. These included Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) Austria, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91) Austria, Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Austria and Ludwig von Beethoven (1770-1827) Germany. These composers had great influence in the types of music that was listened to because of their compositions and they introduced a new style of music that is known as the Sonata.
             The Sonata was the name a classical composer would give to a work divided into several movements, played ...