When Beethoven wrote the fourth movement of his last symphony, he was unable to comprehend how monumental it would become. This movement transcends space and time. Its complexity, its breadth, its sheer magnificence is a testament to Beethoven's genius. Completed in 1824, Beethoven conducted its premier in Vienna on May 7, that same year, in the Kärntnertortheater. To say the least, it was a huge success. Since then, it's clear to see how wonderful this symphony has become. Beethoven's 9th Symphony was the first symphony to include the human voice on the same level as the instruments. Schiller's text "An die freude" makes up the symphony's final movement. Read the English translation of
"An die freude". Since its birth, Beethoven's 9th Symphony became the corner stone to many of the
Romantic and
20th Century composers' classical works. It has also become the
European Union's official anthem.
If anyone loves to sing in choir, I highly recommend you join a choir planning to perform this piece. It's such a blast to sing... almost better than listening to it.
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