How many symphonies did Ludwig van Beethoven compose?

The final tally of completed symphonies from the great (Review) German composer stands at a powerful nine. Composed between 1799 and 1824, this collection of works fundamentally transformed the genre and remains a cornerstone of the classical repertoire. They trace his artistic journey, from the classically-styled First Symphony, which honored the traditions of his predecessors like Haydn, to the revolutionary works that would define the Romantic era of music.

Each symphony is a landmark, but a few are especially famous. His Third Symphony, the "Eroica," expanded the form to an epic scale, while his Fifth is instantly recognizable from its iconic "short-short-short-long" opening motif. The Ninth Symphony, however, is perhaps his most celebrated achievement. A monumental work, it was the first major symphony to incorporate a choir and vocal soloists, famously for its final "Ode to Joy" movement. Beethoven was almost completely deaf when he composed it, and though he left behind sketches for a Tenth, his symphonic legacy was sealed at nine.