Organization

Conductor

Leonard Bernstein

Singer

Soprano

June Anderson

Mezzo-soprano

Sarah Walker

Tenor

Klaus König

Bass

Jan-Hendrik Rootering

Others

Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks

Konzerthaus Berlin

Orchestra

Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks

Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, op. 125 ("Choral") -  (9th Symphony)

A historical document: after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Leonard Bernstein conducted Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on December 25, 1989 in the Schauspielhaus (now: Konzerthaus) Berlin. In order to give expression to the political occasion, the famous Ode to Joy was changed to "Freedom, beautiful spark of the gods". The orchestra consisted of musicians from East and West Germany, the USA, England, France and the Soviet Union: Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and members of: Staatskapelle Dresden, Orchestra of the Kirov Theater Leningrad, London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Orchester de Paris. Choirs: Bavarian Radio Choir and members of the Berlin Radio Choir and the Dresden Philharmonic Children's Choir.

The 9th symphony, which Beethoven composed when he was completely deaf, was first performed on May 7, 1824 in Vienna. Despite the imperfect reproduction, the public success was great, only the professional world wavered for a long time between complete rejection and enthusiastic approval. Above all, the last movement, in which Beethoven used the words of poets and human voices, contrary to the applicable stylistic laws, was criticized. Beethoven had been thinking about setting Schiller's Ode "An die Freude" to music since 1793, but it was not until the autumn of 1823, while he was working on this symphony, that he chose the "Joy of Joy" as the finale's theme. This decision arose from the realization that only a choir could express his feelings.

9th Symphony by Beethoven, From (1989/1989), Conductor Leonard Bernstein

Performance credits (Cast & Crew )

Cast

Ensemble

Programme, About & Synopsis

Photos

Further reading

Performance Dates & Venues

Venues