1. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750):
Beethoven had immense respect for Bach's music, particularly his mastery of counterpoint, harmony, and complex polyphonic textures. He often studied and analyzed Bach's works and even transcribed some of his fugues for piano.
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791):
Beethoven deeply admired Mozart's brilliance and craftsmanship. He considered Mozart's music the pinnacle of artistic achievement and held him as the embodiment of musical genius.
3. Joseph Haydn (1732-1809):
Haydn was Beethoven's teacher and a father figure to him during his early years in Vienna. Beethoven revered Haydn's contributions to music and showed gratitude for his mentorship.
4. George Frideric Handel (1685-1759):
Beethoven was drawn to Handel's grand oratorios and choruses. He appreciated the power and emotional depth of Handel's music.
5. Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787):
Beethoven admired Gluck's operatic reforms, particularly his focus on dramatic truth and unity between music, text, and stage action.
6. Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788):
Beethoven valued the keyboard works and expressive style of Bach's son, C.P.E. Bach. He acknowledged his influence on the development of piano music.
7. Muzio Clementi (1752-1832):
Beethoven respected Clementi, a highly regarded contemporary pianist and composer, for his contributions to piano technique and for setting a high standard of virtuosic playing.
8. Louis Spohr (1784-1859):
Beethoven admired Spohr's talent as a violinist and his innovative contributions to music.
Beethoven's admiration for these fellow musicians and composers reflects his broad appreciation of musical excellence and his desire to learn and grow from the masters of the past and present.