Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony Finale

Description

The Ninth Symphony was Beethoven’s most ambitious venture in which he brought together the elements of his lifework by combining symphonic and choral music. It was first performed in 1824 at Vienna with Beethoven conducting. The fourth movement is a joyous choral setting of Schiller’s poem “Ode to Joy” which had fascinated Beethoven since his student days in Bonn. In this arrangement of the Finale the theme of joy is introduced quietly by the strings in unison. This theme is later repeated in harmony which is followed by a more brilliant presentation with expanded instrumentation. Next is a soaring setting of the theme with an exciting rhythmic accompaniment. An interesting Turkish march variation follows and a powerful triumphant closing section completes the composition. All of the many sections of the Finale are different expressions of human joy.

Published by: Wynn Music Publishers