Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 'Choral'
with commentary by Iván Fischer
Iván Fischer leads the Concertgebouworkest, four vocal soloists and the Netherlands Radio Choir in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. You can watch the performance with or without Iván Fischer’s commentary.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 ‘Choral’
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is a monumental work. Moreover, it is the first symphony that uses a choir (and vocal soloists) – hence the nickname ‘Choral’. In the Finale of his Ninth Symphony, Beethoven set parts of Friedrich Schiller’s famous ode An die Freude to music. The melody was very basic and of popular cut, but by continuing to develop this simple theme in more and more complex fashion, Beethoven was able to express the message of mankind’s salvation contained within Schiller’s ode. ‘All men become brothers!’
Iván Fischer, conductor
Iván Fischer has been a welcome guest conductor with the Concertgebouworkest since 1987. Fischer’s way of working, which is as unusual as it is committed, and the musicians’ enthusiasm and virtuosity always result in very special performances. You can watch the performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with or without Iván Fischer’s commentary. The conductor’s fascinating explanation takes you straight to Beethoven’s time.
watch the concert without commentary
watch the interview with the soloists
watch the interview with Klaas Stok
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 ‘Choral’
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is a monumental work. Moreover, it is the first symphony that uses a choir (and vocal soloists) – hence the nickname ‘Choral’. In the Finale of his Ninth Symphony, Beethoven set parts of Friedrich Schiller’s famous ode An die Freude to music. The melody was very basic and of popular cut, but by continuing to develop this simple theme in more and more complex fashion, Beethoven was able to express the message of mankind’s salvation contained within Schiller’s ode. ‘All men become brothers!’
Iván Fischer, conductor
Iván Fischer has been a welcome guest conductor with the Concertgebouworkest since 1987. Fischer’s way of working, which is as unusual as it is committed, and the musicians’ enthusiasm and virtuosity always result in very special performances. You can watch the performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with or without Iván Fischer’s commentary. The conductor’s fascinating explanation takes you straight to Beethoven’s time.
watch the concert without commentary
watch the interview with the soloists
watch the interview with Klaas Stok