Beethoven’s Ninth

An entire mythology has grown around Beethoven’s Ninth. It was the first symphony to include human voices as part of the score. Because it seemed impossible to compete with, the ensuing generation of composers hardly dared undertake writing their own symphonies. Its ingenious structure combined with music that directly touches the heart leaves audiences unable to hold back their amazement. The Ninth conveys a global political message, insisting that we all become brothers and sisters: “Be embraced, ye millions!” And it is probably the single most famous work of classical music: the joyful melody that Beethoven intones in the finale encourages us to sing along and even became a pop hit as Song of Joy. No wonder this symphony is played so often when something extraordinary happens: at memorial services and state ceremonies or at events like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the unification of Europe, the Olympic Games, and, of course, New Year’s Eve. But nothing matches the experience of hearing the Ninth performed by an ensemble as excellent as the Lucerne Festival Orchestra under a Beethoven connoisseur like Riccardo Chailly. The Festival year could not get off to a better start.

Program
16.00
Introduction to the Concert
with Susanne Stähr (KKL Luzern, Auditorium, in German)

17.00
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125

This concert has no intermission.