Symphony No. 9 (IV. Presto) | Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
The fourth movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is described as a 'symphony on its own' - be it musical structure-wise, or simply the symphonic mastery of arguably the greatest symphony in classical music, and the multiple symbolisms it embodied through the course of history.Â
It is a musical celebration of mankind and probably leaves everyone feeling better about life and the essence of living (and the theme often ruined by recorder-welding primary school kids). One of the notable performances would be the one in Berlin - the very Christmas after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Little would one know that it was Leonard Bernsteinâs last time conducting the symphony  (he died in less than a year later). The orchestra consisted of musicians from Germany, UK, US, Russia and France, while choir members from the once East and West Germany form the joint adult and children chorus, singing âFreiheit (Freedom)â instead of the usual âFreude (Joy).â It was a day worth remembering as the performance was telecasted around the world.
After the initial fervour and the theme often recurring, the orchestra seems to have calmed down as the music dropped to a pianissimo. Then comes my favourite moment of the symphony - the revival of the orchestra as the chorus erupts into Schillerâs Ode to Joy in unison. The power of the triumphant words, an ode to brotherhood and unity of all mankind, is a hair-raising experience like no other.
I sound melodramatic, but it is amazing if you would recall that Beethoven faced encroaching deafness while composing this piece. It is interesting to imagine how the symphony sounded in his imagination as ee never got to hear it, despite conducting for its premiere. It was only when a vocalist turned him around that he noticed the audienceâs rousing applause and standing ovations .
âWhen words fail, music speaks.â Beethovenâs Symphony No. 9 weaved raw emotions into a symphonic tribute to mankind, his hope for universal brotherhood, and a representation of the eternal power of music.Â
Like the jubilant coda, cymbals clashing noisily, euphoric sounding brasses and strings together with the polyphony choral, it marks victory of humankind, and commemoration of significant events and anthem for revolutions. Given the recent protests, championing for justice, government reformation or a revolution, perhaps weâll once find another worthy moment to enjoy this music in its elements.Â
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
NDR Symphony Orchestra, a really good recording in my opinion.
A flashmob, this gets me really emotional each time.