Probably the best symphony in the world (the Carlsberg of symphonies). I can’t imagine how a piece of music of this stature could have been composed by someone who was completely deaf. Genius knows no bounds.
The Composer
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in the German City of Bonn and baptised on the 17th December 1770. Amongst his many works, Beethoven composed nine complete symphonies and what is thought to be a tenth which is incomplete.
In 1817 Beethoven accepted an invitation from the Philharmonic Society of London to write two symphonies. He never actually completed these commissions however he was inspired to write the ninth symphony which he completed in1824. In May of the same year the symphony was débuted in Vienna. Beethoven was present at this performance but by this time he was completely deaf. He was seated at the front of the concert hall with his back to the audience. He failed to notice their standing ovation and wild applause at the end of the piece until the conductor turned him towards them.
The Symphony
No 9, ‘Choral’ in D minor (opus 125) This symphony followed the innovation he pioneered in his sixth symphony by having five movements.
1st Movement Allegro Ma Non Troppo Un Poco Maestoso Written in Sonata Form it opens with a striking A major chord from which a monumental theme representing what may be seen as the creation of the universe emerges. This movement then continues in the theme of creation with rhythmic waves indicative of the sea and a craggy melody enabling the listener to picture an emerging mountainous landscape.
2nd Movement Molto Vivace A Scherzo, lively and energetic this movement is based on patterns of diferent entries as in a fugue, as more and more instruments join with their particular qualities a joyfull interaction and socialisation occurs, indicating the coming of life on the newly created world.
3rd Movement Adagio Molto E Cantabile This slow movement is lyrical and tranquil as order develops from the chaos of creation.
The 4th Movement Presto and the 5th Movement Allegro Assai, combine to make the finale. This part of the symphony is based on the poem by Schiller (An Die Freude) Ode To Joy. Beethoven combines choral with orchestral music, hence the colloquial name for this symphony (Beethoven’s Choral Symphony).The theme of joy is first herd from the orchestra and the cello’s and double basses alone, they are then joined by the entire orchestra, a bass voice proclaims “O friends, not such sounds as these; let us strike up more pleasing ones, full of joy!”. The chorus joins in with an esculent tribute to brotherhood.
Whether or not you agree with the politics behind the extension of the European Union on the 1st of May this year, it is easy to see the reasoning behind the choice of this piece of work as the official anthem for the EU
The Performers
Vienna Singverein / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra with Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Agnes Baltsa, Peter Schreier, José Van Dam
The Conductor Herbert von Karajan
Date of Release 1st march 1987
The Cost From £6.99
Availability Most good music shops and on line from www.amazon.co.uk
More details
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
How does it rate alongside the competition
Good
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Satisfactory
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