Final answer:
Ludwig van Beethoven is the composer who bridged the gap between the Classical and Romantic periods, with his later works clearly reflecting the Romantic style.The correct option is 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The German composer Ludwig van Beethoven is credited with bridging the gap between the Classical and Romantic periods of music.
Beethoven's early works exemplify the Classical style, adhering to forms and rules established during that era. However, as his career progressed, his music began to embody the emotion and dynamism characteristic of the Romantic era.
Unlike the purely Classical style of Mozart, and the consistent Romantic style of composers such as Schubert and Wagner, Beethoven's evolution in musical style symbolizes the transition from the restraint of the Classical period to the expressiveness of the Romantic period.
Beethoven's later compositions, particularly from his middle period onwards, incorporate innovative elements that challenged conventional practices of the time, such as expanded sonata structures, the use of dramatic themes, and the exploration of new harmonic directions.
These changes are clearly present in works like Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which portrays powerful human emotions and grandeur, both hallmarks of Romantic music. Therefore, Option 1: Ludwig van Beethoven, is the correct answer to the question.