[Nonstatist]

But Mozart was evolving rapidly near the end of his life, thus the extreme interest in the cause of death. His last 3 symphonies were superb and innovative, as well as his last seveal operas. I would argue that Beethoven derived from Mozart, or at the very least completed a progression Mozart surely would have rivaled.

A shame he died so young.

[ding_dong_daddy_from_dumas]

But Mozart was evolving rapidly near the end of his life

True. Bach also wrote amazing music before the age of 35. Mozart's father shepherded him, whereas Bach was an orphan.

I would argue that Beethoven derived from Mozart, or at the very least completed a progression Mozart surely would have rivaled.

Yes, Beethoven learned from Mozart, but also from Haydn and Bach. In Haydn's symphony 82, "The Bear" (1786) I hear very striking similarities to Beethoven's Eroica symphony (1805).

Beethoven wrote that Bach was "the very father of musical harmony." He also said, "Bach sollte nicht Bach, sondern Meer heissen" (Bach should not be called Bach (brook) but Meer (sea).

Mozart was very excited when he heard Bach's motets; in fact on that occasion, he insisted that the scores be produced immediately so he could study them.