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

1. Premiere and Debut of Choral Singing in Symphony:

   • The Symphony No. 9 premiered on May 7, 1824, at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna. It was a historic event not only because of the symphony's brilliance but also because it featured the inclusion of vocal soloists and a mixed choir in the final movement, which was groundbreaking for the time.

2. Ode to Joy:

   • The final movement of Symphony No. 9 features a setting of the poem "Ode to Joy" (in German, "An die Freude") by Friedrich Schiller. Beethoven was inspired by the theme of universal brotherhood and human joy in Schiller's poem, and he incorporated it into the symphony as a celebration of humanity.

3. Beethoven's Deafness:

   • Beethoven composed Symphony No. 9 during a period when he was almost completely deaf. It's remarkable that such a monumental work was created by a composer who could not hear the sounds he was producing. The premiere performance was conducted by Michael Umlauf because Beethoven could not hear the applause of the audience.

4. Length and Structure:

   • The Symphony No. 9 is one of Beethoven's longest symphonies, with a typical performance lasting around 70 minutes. It consists of four movements: Allegro ma non troppo, Molto vivace, Adagio molto e cantabile, and Presto - Allegro assai. The final movement, featuring the "Ode to Joy," is longer than the previous three combined.

5. Influence on Later Composers:

   • Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 had a profound impact on later composers, and it is often considered a turning point in the history of Western classical music. Its innovative use of a choral finale influenced many composers who followed, including Brahms, Bruckner, and Mahler.

6. European Anthem:

   • The "Ode to Joy" theme from the final movement has been used as the anthem of the European Union. The Council of Europe adopted it as its anthem in 1972, and the European Union followed suit in 1985.

7. Historical Significance:

   • Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is often seen as a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Its uplifting and optimistic tone, especially in the final movement, reflects Beethoven's belief in the power of music to convey universal messages of joy and unity.