Final answer:
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor faced initial criticism but later gained critical and popular acclaim.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prominent example of a musical composition that faced initial criticism but later gained critical and popular acclaim is Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, also known as the 'Choral Symphony.' When the symphony premiered in 1824, some critics and audiences found it too long, complex, and unconventional. However, over time, its rich orchestration, innovative structure, and powerful themes have come to be highly regarded as icons of classical music. The symphony's initial criticisms stemmed from its departure from traditional symphonic norms, including its inclusion of vocal soloists and a chorus in the final movement.
Learn more about evolution of musical appreciation