Where we have offers of weekly symphonic performances throughout the orchestral season, the performance of symphonies (especially newly composed ones) during the first half of the nineteenth century was occasional, or incidental. 

Audiences might have the opportunity to hear the new work at its premiere and subsequent performances in other cities (given that the symphony was well-received by the audience and reviewed favorably by critics), immediate repeated hearing was rather unlikely - bearing in mind that sound recording technology did not emerge until the turn of the nineteenth century. One of the main channels for audience to gain access to the new works would be through piano transcriptions and recitals given by touring pianists, and in the case of Beethoven's symphonies, the champion was the towering virtuoso, Franz Liszt, who took European audience by the storm. 

Not only was Liszt responsible for the transcription and dissemination of Beethoven's nine symphonies, he had also transcribed other genres, including lieder and opera arias, sometimes fashioning these into self-standing piece bearing his stylistic stamp.

For more insights on Liszt's piano transcription of Beethoven's symphonies, here's the lecture given in 2012 by one of the leading Liszt expert, Professor Alan Walker.

https://youtu.be/vw1jl2Loz6E