Since its premiere in May 1824, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 — especially its final “Ode to Joy” choral movement — has become recognized worldwide for its message of brotherhood and unity. The “Ode” has been sung in the streets of countries under dictatorial regimes, within prison camps, and spontaneously by choruses of strangers worldwide from city balconies during the pandemic lockdown. It has become virtually a traditional Christmas carol sung across Japan by citizen choirs every December, and on Christmas Day 1989 Leonard Bernstein conducted the symphony at the Konzerthaus at Gendarmenmarkt square to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall.
In that spirit, we offer the complete Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven — filling the entire 2pm hour and beyond — for our Midday MasterPEACE for today, the assumed date of Beethoven’s birth in 1770.
HERE is a good biography of Beethoven. And
HERE are thoughts on the Ninth from Riccardo Chailly, conductor of today’s recording.
