A Beginner's Guide to Beethoven's 9th

Few pieces of classical music are as instantly recognizable and universally celebrated as Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No.9 in D minor. With its impactful finale, “Ode to Joy,” brilliant choral voices, and uplifting message, the Ninth is a musical celebration of the human spirit. 

Whether you’re new to classical music or looking to understand more about why this piece is so iconic, this guide will give you an overview of everything you need to know about Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Movement by movement, we’ll explore the symphony’s structure, highlight key themes to listen for, and provide insights to enhance your appreciation of this iconic work before watching Sir Antonio Pappano conduct a brilliant performance of Beethoven’s 9th with the London Symphony Orchestra. 

Beethoven’s 9th At a Glance

• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Premiere: 1824, Theater am Kärntnertor, Vienna
• Length: Typically around 70 minutes 
• Nicknames: The “Choral” Symphony and the “Ode to Joy” Symphony 
• Why it’s important: This was the first major symphony to include voices and is widely considered one of Beethoven’s crowning achievements. 

 

Why is Beethoven’s 9th Symphony So Famous? 

• It broke the mold of what a Symphony should be by adding a choir to the final movement. 
• The Symphony’s message of joy and the unity of mankind resonates with audiences across the globe. 

Completed in 1824, Beethoven was almost completely deaf when he started composing his groundbreaking 9th Symphony. Despite this immense challenge, Beethoven went on to write one of his most widely beloved works. 

The work is famous for two reasons: it broke the mold of Symphonic form at the time, and the piece has a universal theme of joy and the unity of mankind. Previous to Beethoven’s Symphony No.9, symphonies were strictly orchestral works. The inclusion of a choral setting of Friedrich Schiller’s poem, “Ode to Joy,” in the final movement was revolutionary. Beethoven boldly broke away from tradition, paving the way for composers like Mahler, with his Symphony No.2, and Stravinsky with his Symphony of Psalms, to do the same. 

The symphony is a dramatic journey from inner turmoil to joyful celebration. The poem Beethoven chose for the final choral movement celebrates the universal brotherhood of mankind, a message that still resonates with audiences some 200 years later. The musical motifs, or themes, that Beethoven uses throughout the symphony also have a way of becoming hummable earworms, cementing this symphony’s place as a timeless masterpiece.​ 

 

What to Listen For: Movement by Movement 

 

Movement 1. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso 

The symphony opens with a mysterious whisper, low strings appear from the heavens. A slow build gives way to a bold, stormy theme that sets the tone for the rest of the piece.  

This movement is a masterclass in structural innovation. Beethoven stretches Sonata Form (a three-section compositional structure formed of an exposition, development, and recapitulation) to suit his epic vision. This movement sets the stage for the entire symphony, introducing motifs, or themes, that will pop up throughout the work.​

 

Movement 2,  Scherzo: Molto Vivace  

In this bold second movement, Beethoven flips the expectation of where a Scherzo “should” go in a symphony. Instead of a slow second movement, as was expected in symphonies, Beethoven surprises us with a fiery scherzo, or a fast-paced dance full of energy and syncopation. You might recognize this movement from the cult classic “Clockwork Orange.”

In this section, Beethoven uses an unusual Double Fugue (a musical form where two distinct themes play simultaneously) that heightens the complexity and intensity of the movement. Listen for the intricate layering of themes, showcasing Beethoven’s mastery of counterpoint.​ Listen out for the dramatic timpani ( kettledrum) taking up the spotlight, and the playful contrast of tunes taking place in the trio section. 

Movement 3, Adagio molto e cantabile 

In this movement, Beethoven introduces subtle variations to the main theme, enhancing its emotional impact.​ This slow movement is a serene contrast to the second movement’s lively drama. It feels like a moment of deep reflection with long lyrical lines that float gently above the accompaniment. Listen out for the gorgeous warmth of the woodwinds and the graceful dialogue between the strings and winds. 

Beethoven uses Variation Form (a musical technique where a theme is introduced and then expanded upon, or varied, by changing the rhythm, melody, harmony, or instrumentation) to unfold two alternating themes in this section. This movement is a show of Beethoven’s mastery of elegance and power.  

Movement 4, Finale: Presto – Allegro assai (Ode to Joy)

This is THE showstopper of all showstopper finales. Beethoven brings his triumphant symphony to a rousing finish with a bold new idea, blending human voices with the orchestra in a way that had never been done before. After recapping earlier themes, the cellos introduce the now-famous “Ode to Joy” melody. Then, appearing from nowhere, a voice! A bold baritone solo ushers in the choir with Schiller’s uplifting poem celebrating the brotherhood of man.  

This section is what put Beethoven’s 9th Symphony on the map. Not only did he defy expectations for what a symphony should be, but he also wrote one of the most recognizable melodies in classical music.  You’ll recognize the “Ode to Joy” theme from countless movies and TV shows like Die Hard, John Wick, The Simpsons, and even The Muppets. 

Beethoven’s 9th Symphony isn’t just one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, it redefined what a symphony could be. By adding voices, stretching forms, and using themes to link movements, Beethoven expanded the symphonic form into something operatic, philosophical, and revolutionary. More than anything, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony is full of gorgeous music that celebrates the triumphs of human nature. 

Ready to watch Beethoven’s symphony in action? Watch Sir Antonio Pappano conduct the London Symphony Orchestra on Marquee TV.