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

1. Premiere and Composition:

   • The Symphony No. 9 was premiered on May 7, 1824, at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna, Austria. Beethoven conducted the performance, and it was his first public appearance as a conductor in 12 years.
   • Beethoven started working on the Ninth Symphony in 1817 and completed it in 1824. The composition process spanned several years, and Beethoven continued to revise the work until the premiere.

2. Choral Finale:

   • The most distinctive feature of the Ninth Symphony is its final movement, which includes a choral setting of Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy" ("An die Freude" in German). This marks one of the first instances in the history of Western classical music where a composer used voices in a symphony.

3. Deafness:

   • Beethoven composed the Ninth Symphony during a period when he was almost completely deaf. Despite his hearing loss, he continued to create some of his most profound and innovative works.

4. Influence on Later Composers:

   • Beethoven's Ninth Symphony had a profound influence on later composers, including Richard Wagner. Wagner particularly admired the integration of vocal and instrumental forces in the final movement, and he saw it as a groundbreaking work that foreshadowed the future of music.

5. Structure:

   • The Symphony No. 9 is written for a large orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The final movement features four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and a mixed choir.

6. Duration:

   • The Ninth Symphony is known for its considerable length, especially the final movement. The entire symphony typically lasts around 65 to 70 minutes, making it one of the longer symphonies in the classical repertoire.

7. Political Symbolism:

   • The Ninth Symphony has been associated with political and cultural events. It was adopted as an anthem for the European Union, symbolizing unity and peace. The famous "Ode to Joy" theme has been used in various political and cultural contexts throughout history.

8. Personal Significance:

   • Beethoven considered the Ninth Symphony to be one of his most significant works. The inclusion of voices in the final movement was a departure from traditional symphonic form, and it represented Beethoven's desire to convey a message of universal brotherhood and joy.

9. Last Completed Symphony:

   • The Ninth Symphony was Beethoven's last completed symphony. His Tenth Symphony was left unfinished at the time of his death.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 continues to captivate audiences around the world and is regarded as a musical masterpiece that transcends time and cultural boundaries.