I think that if Beethoven had died just after he wrote his First Symphony,
he'd still be regarded as one of the greats.  His early piano sonatas
are real gems, full of wit and fresh ideas.  I also really like his 2nd
Piano Concerto (which he wrote before the 1st Piano Concerto).  Oddly
enough, at times, this has been my favorite Beethoven piano concerto.

Mike