I love Mozart, but I think that Beethoven was more respectful of, and influenced by, Haydn, Handel, and his own Publisher, Clementi.
I don’t compare the two, but listen to them with different mindsets. Mozart, I listen to with my brain. Beethoven, I listen to with my heart.
Just my humble opinion, but Ludwig himself said that he “worshiped at the grave of Handel”, and was flabbergasted that Haydn attended a performance of his 3rd Symphony.. I don’t think he ever said anything quite like that about Mozart.
I may be wrong, and welcome correction, as I am not a classical Musician, but a mere bass-player. LOL.
” I don’t compare the two, but listen to them with different mindsets. Mozart, I listen to with my brain. Beethoven, I listen to with my heart.”
Good thing you have both.
Ize take Mozart first : )