Program Notes and Sheet Music

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Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, "Choral"

Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, famously known as the "Choral" Symphony, is not merely a piece of music; it is a towering monument of human achievement, a philosophical statement, and a work that forever changed the landscape of Western music. Completed in 1824, after years of painstaking effort, it stands as the crowning glory of Beethoven's symphonic output and a testament to his indomitable spirit.

The Genesis of a Masterpiece: A Lifelong Dream

The idea of setting Friedrich Schiller’s poem "An die Freude" (Ode to Joy) to music had fascinated Beethoven for decades, dating back to his youth in the 1790s. The poem, with its themes of universal brotherhood, joy, and the unity of humanity, deeply resonated with Beethoven's own humanist ideals. Yet, it took him until his final symphony to integrate this choral element into the symphonic form – a revolutionary decision that broke centuries of tradition.

By the time he composed the Ninth, Beethoven was almost completely deaf. Imagine the monumental challenge: creating a work of such immense scale and intricate detail, including complex choral and solo vocal parts, without being able to hear it himself. He relied on vibrations, his inner ear, and years of profound musical experience.

A Triumphant (and Poignant) Premiere

The premiere of the Ninth Symphony took place on May 7, 1824, at the Kärntnertor Theater in Vienna. It was a momentous and highly anticipated event, a rare appearance by Beethoven himself, who had become a recluse due to his deafness. The hall was packed, and the atmosphere was electric.

Beethoven insisted on conducting, though in reality, Michael Umlauf, the concertmaster, stood beside him, guiding the orchestra and chorus, as Beethoven was unable to hear their playing or the audience's reactions. The story goes that at the end of the second movement, or possibly the whole symphony, the audience erupted in thunderous applause. Beethoven, still conducting, was a few measures behind and unaware of the ovation. One of the alto soloists, Caroline Unger, gently turned him around so he could see the handkerchiefs and hats waving in the air – a silent, visual testament to the overwhelming enthusiasm of the crowd. It was a profoundly moving and bittersweet moment, a testament to his genius in the face of immense personal tragedy.

A Symphony of Unprecedented Scope

The Ninth Symphony is grand in every sense:

• First Movement (Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso): It begins with a hushed, almost primordial opening, a mysterious D minor void from which the powerful main theme gradually emerges. This movement is a dramatic and often turbulent journey, wrestling with fate and struggle.

• Second Movement (Molto vivace): A blistering, energetic Scherzo, this movement explodes with rhythmic drive. Breaking tradition, Beethoven places it second, instead of the usual slow movement. Its powerful timpani strokes and relentless energy are truly exhilarating.

• Third Movement (Adagio molto e cantabile): This is a movement of sublime, serene beauty, a slow and lyrical oasis. It features two alternating themes that unfold with breathtaking grace and emotional depth, offering a profound sense of peace and contemplation.

• Fourth Movement (Presto – Allegro assai): The groundbreaking finale begins with a turbulent, almost chaotic "fanfare of terror," as Beethoven discards fragments of themes from previous movements before a solo cello and bass introduce the famous "Ode to Joy" melody. This simple, memorable tune then builds gradually, passed through different orchestral sections, before the human voice enters for the first time in a symphony. The soloists and chorus sing Schiller's poem, transforming the symphony into a universal appeal for joy, brotherhood, and the divine. The movement culminates in an ecstatic, jubilant celebration, bringing the work to an overwhelming conclusion.

Legacy and Impact

The Ninth Symphony's impact was immediate and enduring. It not only pushed the boundaries of musical form by integrating voices into a symphony but also expanded the expressive potential of music itself. Its message of universal joy and brotherhood, articulated through Schiller's poem, has made it a symbol of freedom and unity across the globe. It has been performed at countless significant events, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, and its "Ode to Joy" theme is the anthem of the European Union.

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony stands as a testament to the power of human spirit, creativity, and the enduring dream of a better world. It is a work that transcends its time, continuing to inspire, challenge, and move listeners with its profound message of hope and exhilaration.