The 9th Symphony in D minor op. 125 is the last finished symphony by the composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The work was premiered in Vienna on May 7, 1824 in the presence of Beethoven, who was already completely deaf and was a complete success. The fourth movement is also known as “Ode to Joy”. Since 1985, the main theme of the last movement has been the official European anthem.
Performed by Daniel Barenboim & the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra
Image painting by Joseph Karl Stieler.
