Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most influential composers in the history of classical music, created his Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21 during the dawn of the 19th century. Premiering in Vienna on April 2, 1800, this symphony marked Beethoven's bold entry into the realm of symphonic composition—a domain dominated by the legacy of Haydn and Mozart. This masterful work not only demonstrated his profound respect for the classical tradition but also hinted at the revolutionary innovations that would define his later symphonies.