Among the most intriguing superstitions linked to classical music is the “Curse of the Ninth,” which suggests that some of the most famous 19th-century composers died after writing their ninth symphony. This legend stems from a series of coincidences involving great musicians throughout history.
The myth originated with Ludwig van Beethoven, who passed away shortly after completing his Ninth Symphony, widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces in Western music. This work, considered the pinnacle of his artistic career, helped establish the belief that the ninth symphony represented a fatal limit for composers.
The legend gained further traction with the story of Gustav Mahler, an Austrian composer known for his superstition. Hoping to evade the curse, Mahler chose not to number one of his works after his Eighth Symphony, instead titling it “The Song of the Earth.” However, after completing his actual Ninth Symphony, he began working on the Tenth, which remained unfinished due to his death.
Other composers have also contributed to the legend, such as Franz Schubert, who died at just 31 years old, Louis Spohr, a pioneer in orchestral conducting, and Antonín Dvořák, whose Ninth Symphony became famous as the soundtrack for the first moon landing. These and other examples have perpetuated the mystique surrounding the “Curse of the Ninth.”