Opera Scotland

Symphony no9 'Choral' Symphony no9 in D minor, op125

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Music

Ludwig van Beethoven (born Bonn, 15 or 16 December 1770; died Vienna, 26 March 1827)

Text

An die Freude (Ode to Joy) by Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1805)

Premieres

First Performance: Vienna (Theater am Kärntnertor), 7 May 1824.

First Performance in the UK: tbc.

First Performance in Scotland.

Background

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was recognised from the start as a piece of extreme difficulty for both the performers and the audience. It is still an exhausting work to perform. It is clear from reports that the technical standard achieved in early performances is far below what would be acceptable today.