how long did it take beethoven to write his 5th symphony

Beethoven took about four years to write his Fifth Symphony, with sketches starting around 1804 and the score completed in early 1808.

Quick Scoop

A more detailed way to say it: he began work on it in the early 1800s, but the symphony’s final form was finished in March 1808. Some sources describe it as “the better part of four years” because he was also working on other pieces at the same time.

Why it took so long

• Beethoven was juggling multiple compositions at once.

• He reportedly revised and edited his work heavily.

• The Fifth Symphony’s ideas evolved over several years rather than being written all at once.

TL;DR

About four years is the standard answer.