The events during Beethoven’s life—the breakdown of the patronage system, the rise of Napoleon, and the position of the artist in society—influenced his music. The breakdown of the patronage system was related to the decline of aristocracy and the rise of democracy. During the beginning breakdown of the patronage system, there were free-lance composers who believed they could make it on their own. The advantages of the patronage system included a steady demand for new works, a social environment in which to work, and economic security. However, the disadvantages of the patronage system were that those involved within the system were ranked as servants, and there was less artistic freedom involved.
The patronage system served many social
