What we call classical music was in many cases popular music in its day. Beethoven also became a weathy man from his compositions.
All of the old Operas at The Met were the "show tunes" of their day..
EXACTLY - Classical was intended to be fun and exciting - not the "pompous" way it is treated today where we all have to dress up in suits to go out. I blame some of the conductors for taking the whole classical thing and themselves WAY TO SERIOUSLY.