How did Beethoven change the history of music?

Answer:
Beethoven was one of the first composers to move from the notion that a musician was a servant and produced powerful individualistic music, not necessarily what his patron had requested. He catered to the tastes of a rising middle class in a time of great social upheaval in Europe and possibly contributed to birth of the Romantic Era.
First answer by ID3463148806. Last edit by Phil Lewis. Contributor trust: 783 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].