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Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, commonly known as the "Choral Symphony," is a monumental work with several interesting facts:

1. Premiere and Deafness: Beethoven conducted the premiere of Symphony No. 9 on May 7, 1824, at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna. It was a remarkable event because Beethoven, being almost completely deaf at that time, continued to conduct the orchestra even though he couldn't hear the applause.

2. Choral Finale: The Symphony No. 9 is particularly famous for its final movement, which includes the use of vocal soloists and a mixed choir. This was groundbreaking in the realm of symphonic music at the time, as no other composer had incorporated voices into a symphony in such a significant manner.

3. Ode to Joy: The final movement features the famous "Ode to Joy" (Ode an die Freude) text, taken from a poem written by Friedrich Schiller. The joyful and uplifting theme of universal brotherhood expressed in the "Ode to Joy" has made it one of the most celebrated pieces of classical music.

4. Length and Structure: The Ninth Symphony is longer than Beethoven's previous eight symphonies, and its structure is unique. The first movement is a powerful and stormy allegro, followed by a scherzo and a lyrical slow movement. The final movement breaks the convention by incorporating voices and choir.

5. Influence on Later Composers: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony had a profound impact on subsequent generations of composers. Its choral finale, in particular, influenced later Romantic composers, and its grand scale set new standards for symphonic composition.

6. European Anthem: The "Ode to Joy" from Symphony No. 9 was adopted as the anthem of the European Union in 1985. It symbolizes the unity of Europe and the values of freedom, peace, and solidarity.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 remains a masterpiece that transcends time, and its impact on the world of classical music is immeasurable.