Beethoven 9. Symphonie schnell erklärt | klassik shorts

Summary

The video script celebrates the monumental impact of Ludwig van Beethoven's 9th Symphony, a groundbreaking work that expanded symphonic expression with its length, orchestration, and inclusion of choral vocals. Despite initial criticism and Beethoven's personal struggles with deafness and political disillusionment, the symphony, particularly its 'Ode to Joy' finale, became a symbol of humanism and unity, influencing countless artists and even serving as the basis for the European anthem. The piece's profound message of freedom, equality, and brotherhood resonates as a life-affirming testament to the human spirit.

Takeaways

• 🎼 The 9th Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven is considered a monumental work in the history of classical music that left a lasting impact on other composers.
• 🏆 Beethoven's symphony was so groundbreaking that it was described by critics as 'the non plus ultra' and challenged other composers to surpass its excellence.
• 🎵 The symphony's finale, featuring the 'Ode to Joy' by Friedrich Schiller, expanded the genre by incorporating vocals, which was a bold move at the time.
• 🤔 Beethoven's decision to include the choir was not an easy one; he only made this choice a few months before the premiere and even considered removing it later.
• 👨‍🎤 The 'Ode to Joy' was controversial among some of his contemporaries, like Louis Spohr, who found its implementation trivial and hard to reconcile with Beethoven's genius.
• 🌫️ The symphony begins with an ambiguous and enigmatic introduction, using falling fifths to create a sense of a primordial cosmos that is clarified throughout the work.
• 🛤️ Beethoven's unconventional structure places the calm, slow movement as the third rather than the second, providing a serene interlude before the climactic final movement.
• 🎶 The 9th Symphony is widely recognized as one of the most popular pieces of classical music, inspiring countless people and artists.
• 🌏 Today, the 'Ode to Joy' serves as the European anthem in a slightly modified form, reflecting its enduring influence and significance.
• 💿 The length of a standard CD was based on the duration of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, ensuring that the entire work could fit on a single disc.
• 👂 Despite being completely deaf at the time of the symphony's premiere, Beethoven's work remains a powerful testament to his artistic vision and the themes of humanism, freedom, and equality.

Q & A

What is the significance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony in the history of classical music?

Beethoven's 9th Symphony is significant for its innovative use of vocals and text, expanding the symphony genre beyond purely orchestral music. It was so groundbreaking that it left other composers at a loss for decades, and it is considered a life-affirming work that celebrates humanism, freedom, and equality.

What did critics say about the finale of Beethoven's 9th Symphony?

Critics referred to the finale as the 'non plus ultra,' indicating that it was the highest point of achievement and that surpassing this masterpiece seemed impossible.

How did Beethoven expand the symphony with the inclusion of vocals?

Beethoven expanded the symphony by incorporating the human voice and text, specifically using Friedrich Schiller's 'Ode to Joy,' thus adding a theatrical element to the purely orchestral music.

What was the reaction of composer Louis Spohr to the 'Ode to Joy' in Beethoven's 9th Symphony?

Louis Spohr, a well-known composer of the time, found the implementation of the 'Ode to Joy' to be trivial and could not understand how a genius like Beethoven could write it down.

How did Beethoven's decision to include a choir in the 9th Symphony affect the composition process?

Beethoven's decision to include a choir was not made until a few months before the premiere, and he even considered cutting it out later to replace it with instruments, indicating that he struggled with this bold choice.

What is unique about the structure of Beethoven's 9th Symphony?

The 9th Symphony is unique in its structure as it places the calm, slow movement as the third movement instead of the second, providing a haven of calm before the intense final movement and chorus.

How did Beethoven's personal circumstances influence the composition of the 9th Symphony?

Despite being completely deaf and in poor health, Beethoven composed a work that is a celebration of life, affirming humanism and political ideals such as freedom, equality, and brotherhood.

What is the significance of the 9th Symphony being the European anthem?

The 9th Symphony, in a slightly modified form, serves as the European anthem, symbolizing unity and shared values among the nations of Europe.

How did the length of the 9th Symphony influence the development of CDs?

The length of Beethoven's 9th Symphony was a factor in determining the capacity of CDs, as the inventors wanted the entire symphony to fit on a single disc.

What is the symbolic meaning of the phrase 'All people become brothers' in the context of the 9th Symphony?

The phrase 'All people become brothers' symbolizes the universal message of unity and brotherhood that Beethoven intended to convey through his music, emphasizing the shared humanity and equality of all people.

How did Beethoven's deafness affect his ability to conduct the premiere of the 9th Symphony?

At the premiere, Beethoven, being completely deaf, had to be turned around by a friend to see the audience's applause and cheering, as he could not hear the response to his work.