Classical Music Discoveries

The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is the final complete symphony by the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, composed between 1822 and 1824. It was first performed in Vienna on 7 May 1824. The symphony is one of the best-known works in common practice music. It is widely viewed by critics as one of Beethoven's greatest works, the pinnacle of musical Classicism, and one of the greatest compositions in the western musical canon. The symphony was the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony (thus making it a choral symphony). The words are sung during the final movement by four vocal soloists and a chorus. They were taken from the "Ode to Joy", a poem written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with text additions made by the composer. In the 2010s, it stands as one of the most performed symphonies in the world. In 2001, Beethoven's original, hand-written manuscript of the score, held by the Berlin State Library, was added to the United Nations Memory of the World Programme Heritage list, becoming the first musical score so honoured. Purchase now at: http://www.classicalsavings.com/store/p220/Digital_Download_-_Beethoven%3A_Symphony_No._9_in_D_minor%2C_Op._125_%22Choral%22.html