Beethoven | Symphony No. 9
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Beethoven, Ludwig van | Symphony No. 9, Op. 125 (1824)
Recording: Herbert von Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic (1977)
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, also known as the "Choral" symphony, is his final complete symphony. Composed between 1822 and 1824, it was first performed on May 7, 1824, in Vienna. This symphony is renowned as a masterpiece of Western classical music and stands as a supreme achievement in music history. It is especially notable for being the first major symphony to include vocal parts. The final movement features four vocal soloists and a chorus, setting to music the "Ode to Joy," a poem by Friedrich Schiller. The symphony's impact extends beyond the genre, influencing music history significantly and being adopted in various cultural and political contexts.
