Final answer:
Beethoven's personal life was troubled and complicated, which is reflective of the Romantic era's emphasis on emotional expression in art. His earlier works were Classical, but his later works, like his Ninth Symphony, epitomize Romantic music.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most sources describe Ludwig van Beethoven's personal life as tumultuous and complex, reflecting the intense emotions characteristic of the Romantic era in which he later composed. Beethoven experienced personal struggles, including a gradual loss of hearing that deeply affected his life and work. His early compositions align with the Classical period, showing influence from Haydn and Mozart, but his later works, such as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, showcase the emotional depth and intensity associated with Romantic music.
The Romantic era was marked by a strong emphasis on expressing the full range of human emotions in art, something that Beethoven and his contemporaries like Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner excelled in. These composers built upon the foundations of Classical music but imbued their works with an expressiveness that resonated with the dramatic changes occurring in society around them.