The Ninth Symphony

It’s hard enough for those of us who CAN hear to compose music. Can you imagine composing a symphony, then conducting it completely without your sense of hearing? Only a musical genius could accomplish this astronomical feat, and that’s exactly what Ludwig Van Beethoven did in 1824. Symphony No. 9 is considered by many to be Beethoven’s greatest work, and some even proclaim it’s the most beautiful piece of music ever written.

 

The final complete symphony of his career, Beethoven was eager to debut the piece soon after its completion. The symphony premiered in Vienna to a packed house and was a huge success. Due to his deafness, Beethoven was off in his count and was still conducting even after the symphony had concluded.

Someone had to physically turn him around so he could accept the audience’s praise. The composer was treated to waving hands, handkerchiefs, and hats as a kind of “visual applause” for the masterpiece they had just witnessed.