Symphony No. 9 (The Choral Symphony – Last Movement, Opus 125)

Beethoven’s symphonic masterpiece, written between 1818 and 1824, actually had sources dating from earlier in his life. For example, many years earlier, Beethoven had expressed wishes to set Schiller’s poem, the “Ode to Joy,” to music, and the realization of this desire finally took place in the final movement of the 9th Symphony, also known as the “Choral Symphony.” This score presents the choral portion of the symphony, beginning with the baritone recitative that precedes the choir’s entrance. The 60 page score presents the soloist and choir parts on separate lines over a piano reduction of the orchestral parts.