Herbert von Karajan conducts Beethoven's Symphony No. 9
Berliner Philharmoniker
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Cast
Lella Cuberli — Soprano
Helga Müller-Molinari — Alto
Vinson Cole — Tenor
Franz Grundheber — Baritone
Wiener Singverein
Helmut Froschauer — Chorus director
Herbert von Karajan — Conductor
Program notes
Official anthem of the European Union since 1985, the final movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (nicknamed the “Ode to Joy”) has become a symbol of peace and brotherhood. Although the Viennese public failed to appreciate a number of the composer’s later works, the premiere of the Ninth Symphony proved to be an incredible triumph for the ailing Beethoven—suffering by that time from total deafness, but nonetheless well enough to be present in the hall to enjoy his creation’s success. Experience the beloved masterwork in this powerful performance by Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker!