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Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, commonly known as the "Choral Symphony," is one of his most famous and celebrated works. Here are some interesting facts about this masterpiece:

1. Premiere and Debut of Choral Singing in a Symphony:

   • The Symphony No. 9 had its premiere on May 7, 1824, at the Kärntnertor Theater in Vienna. It was a historic event, not only because it was the debut of Beethoven's final complete symphony but also because it introduced choral singing in a symphony, featuring vocal soloists and a mixed choir in the final movement.

2. Ode to Joy:

   • The final movement of the Ninth Symphony features the famous "Ode to Joy" (German: "An die Freude"), a poem written by Friedrich Schiller. Beethoven incorporated the text into the choral finale, expressing a message of universal brotherhood and the joy of the human spirit.

3. Deafness of Beethoven:

   • Beethoven composed the Ninth Symphony during a period when he was almost completely deaf. By the time of its premiere, he could not hear the applause of the audience. Despite his deafness, he continued to compose some of his most profound works.

4. Length and Structure:

   • The Ninth Symphony is longer than Beethoven's previous symphonies. It consists of four movements: Allegro ma non troppo, Molto vivace, Adagio molto e cantabile, and Presto – Allegro assai. The final movement is notably longer than the first three combined.

5. Influence on Later Composers:

   • Beethoven's Ninth Symphony had a profound impact on later composers, inspiring many to incorporate choral elements into their symphonic works. The inclusion of a choir in the final movement became a tradition in Romantic and later symphonic compositions.

6. Political Symbolism:

   • The Ninth Symphony has been associated with various political and social movements throughout history. Its themes of unity and brotherhood have made it a symbol of freedom, and the European Union adopted the "Ode to Joy" as its anthem.

7. The "Turkish" March:

   • The second movement of the symphony, Molto vivace, features a "Turkish" march. This movement is known for its energetic and rhythmic character, and it includes percussion instruments such as triangle and cymbals, which were associated with Turkish military music during that time.

8. Last Complete Symphony:

   • Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is his final complete symphony. It represents the culmination of his symphonic output and is considered a landmark work in the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era of music.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth, innovative use of the choral element, and its enduring impact on the world of classical music.