Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

A musical work that altered the course of

music history

Premiered in Vienna, 1824

Though completely deaf, Beethoven conducted

This was Beethoven’s first on-stage appearance in 12 years

Largest orchestra Beethoven ever assembled

Hotel SacherWein (Vienna)

What’s so special about Beethoven’s 9th Symphony?

1st symphony to use voices (Chorale Symphony) or Cantata + Symphony

Unusually large instrumentation

Role of conductor (Beethoven gave directions to conductor in the score)

Use of form (large movements and within movements)

9th Symphony FormTYPICAL SYMPHONY FORM BEETHOVEN’S 9TH FORM

Fast (Allegro, Sonata Form)

Slow (Poco Adagio) Dance (Minuet/Trio) Fast (Rondo?)

Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso (Sonata Form)

Scherzo: Molto vivace – Presto

Adagio molto e cantabile Presto; Allegro molto

assai (Alla marcia); Andante maestoso; Allegro energico, sempre ben marcato (about 25 minutes alone)

Friedrich Schiller German Poet,

Philosopher, Playwright

Weimar Classicism

Close friend of Goethe

Wrote “Ode to Joy” in 1785

Enlightenment ideals, brotherhood of mankind

The Legacy of the 9th Symphony Performed every New

Year’s Eve in Japan

Adopted as a religious hymn by most Christian denominations

Played after fall of Berlin wall

Anthem of EU and other countries