jsaras,
I am certainly more familiar with Beethoven's work having gone through the first two movements of the 9th symphony in great detail, but there is so much genius in his work that although I do understand much more, there is a ton more to learn.
As a guitar player, I soaked up riffs that I would see and hear along the way because they sound so cool when played in just the right spot within a solo or song. Beethoven's works are riddled with little "riffs" from each instrument he employs and they are woven throughout his compositions with precision. One tactic I learned was his use of brass and percussion together, often using brass to accentuate the beat.
I would consider myself familiar with, but far from understanding his techniques. I have developed my own interpretations of the pieces, and my versions reflect them. I have enjoyed hearing them played by a live symphony orchestra, but using digital media, I am able to sustain tempo and vigor through passages that are typically lumbered through by live orchestras. I have to wonder if Beethoven "heard" the music he wrote in the lumbering fashion, or as it is in my versions where the clock does not allow non-configured tempo fluctuations. I think the overall affect is more lively and emphatic!
Jerry