Final chorus on Schiller's ode "To Joy", op. 125

Premiere of the Symphony: May 7th, 1824, Kärntnertorthetaer, Vienna

The choral finale based on Schiller's "Ode to Joy" forms the climax of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. After a lengthy, suspenseful introduction, the choir and soloists join, giving Schiller's text a powerful musical setting. Beethoven employs simple, hymn-like melodies that stand out for their clarity and strength. The strings and winds alternate with the choir, creating a rich soundscape that conveys the ideal of human brotherhood and joy. This finale has become iconic and is one of the most frequently performed works in classical music.