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Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, also known as the "Choral Symphony," is a remarkable work in the world of classical music. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic composition:

1. Premiere with Beethoven's Deafness: Beethoven composed the Ninth Symphony between 1817 and 1824, during a period when he was already experiencing profound hearing loss. Remarkably, he conducted the premiere of the symphony on May 7, 1824, at the Kärntnertor Theater in Vienna. To cue the performers, he had to rely on a conductor's assistant, as he could not hear the music himself.

2. Inclusion of Voices: The Ninth Symphony is famous for its final movement, which includes vocal soloists and a full choir. This was a groundbreaking innovation in symphonic music at the time, as no other composer had incorporated voices into a symphony to this extent.

3. Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy": The text for the choral finale is based on Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy" (Ode an die Freude), which celebrates the universal brotherhood of humanity. Beethoven was deeply inspired by the idea of joy and unity in this poem, making it a central theme of the symphony.

4. Lengthy Composition Process: Beethoven worked on the Ninth Symphony for several years, and it went through numerous revisions. It is estimated that he wrote over 600 pages of sketches and drafts while composing this masterpiece.

5. Deaf Composer's Reaction: During the premiere of the Ninth Symphony, Beethoven was completely deaf and had to be turned around by one of the soloists to see the enthusiastic applause from the audience. He reportedly wept at the realization of the audience's standing ovation.

6. Symbol of Unity: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony has often been associated with the idea of human unity and brotherhood. It has been performed at various historic events, including the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, symbolizing the end of division and the hope for unity.

7. Influence on Future Composers: The Ninth Symphony had a profound influence on later composers, including Richard Wagner and Johannes Brahms, who both grappled with the weight of Beethoven's legacy when composing their own symphonies.

8. UNESCO World Heritage: In 2001, Beethoven's original score for the Ninth Symphony was added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 continues to be celebrated for its revolutionary use of voices in a symphony, its enduring message of joy and unity, and its status as one of the most iconic compositions in classical music history.