How did Beethoven bridge the Classical and Romantic periods?

Beethoven is recognized for his ability to expand the emotional range and complexity of music, which is a defining characteristic that helped transition from the Classical to the Romantic periods. His compositions display a greater depth of emotion and variety than earlier classical pieces, engaging listeners at a more profound emotional level.

This expansion can be observed in his use of dynamic contrasts, innovative structures, and the incorporation of personal expression and individual style. Beethoven's later works, in particular, showcase a dramatic intensity and unique harmonic exploration that influenced Romantic composers to express more subjective and varied emotions in their music.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect Beethoven's contributions. Simplifying themes would mean reducing complexity, which goes against his innovative spirit, while narrowing emotional expression would limit the rich, diverse feelings he conveyed. Additionally, focusing solely on symphonic forms would overlook his significant contributions to other genres, such as string quartets and piano sonatas, which also played a crucial role in developing romantic ideals in music.