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No composer changed the symphony<\/strong><\/a> more radically than Beethoven<\/strong><\/a>. Whilst his First (1801) pays its respects to the 18th-century classical tradition of Haydn<\/strong><\/a> and Mozart<\/a><\/strong>, each of the eight successive Beethoven symphonies follows a unique trajectory heralding a new era: composers were no longer subservient to their court patrons and could assert their right to individual expression. <\/p> So it\u2019s little wonder that Beethoven\u2019s colossal symphonic legacy both inspired and intimidated later 19th-century composers. From the moment these works entered the repertory, conductors viewed the performance of a Beethoven cycle as a litmus test of their achievements.<\/p>