Beethoven 9

What is the horn solo in bars 83-99 an example of?

Growing importance of brass instruments

When was this symphony written?

1824

What is the belief about the horn solo?

One of the earliest examples of a valve horn being used in symphonic music and may well be the very first valve horn solo

What is the texture like after the horn solo in movement 3?

Homophonic but slightly more individually dressed (strings have notes that get passed between each other)

What is featured in the finale?

Chorus + Soloists as well as Fugal parts

What is the interesting about how the movements are structured?

4 movements, 2 and 3 swapped so the scherzo and trio come before the slow movement

Why was this change made to the movement structure?

To make the finale feel more dramatic

What was the symphony considered at the time?

Almost unplayable due to the sheer difficulty

What is unique about the fourth movement?

All the themes from the previous movements are brought back in reverse order, after each is played the basses play essentially rejecting the melodies until we reach the main theme of this movement, the 'Ode to Joy'

What is unusual about the introduction of the 'Ode to Joy' theme?

Basses introduce the theme

What is unique about the two double fugues in the fourth movement?

They are totally unique

What is the structure of the slow movement?

Double theme and variation structure, with themes A and B alternating - highlighting the development of structures, especially within the slow movement.

What does the Ninth Symphony symbolise and how is it expressed?

Struggle between light and night; progress and reaction. Often expressed in a struggle between a dark minor key and a brilliant affirmative major key.

What is the Ninth Symphony's significance?

Symbol of Beethoven's achievements in bringing people together

What is the political significance of the Ninth Symphony?

Statement of freedom in repressive political environment

What happens before the 'Ode to Joy' theme in the 4th movement?

Return of all the themes (Quasi Recitative), they are all then 'rejected' by the cellos and basses

In what key does the First movement of the Ninth Symphony begin and end?

Begins in D minor and ends in B major

What is the size of the orchestra in the Ninth Symphony?

Unprecedented - especially considering it contained a chorus

What is the title of Sachs' book about the Ninth Symphony?

The Ninth: Beethoven and the World in 1824

Is the Ninth Symphony a vocal or instrumental symphony?

Vocal symphony