A premiere that changed music history
On May 7, 1824, the city of Vienna witnessed a musical event like no other. At the Theater am Kärntnertor, Beethoven unveiled his Ninth Symphony to the world—an unprecedented work that would forever expand the boundaries of the symphonic form.
Beethoven could no longer hear it
By the time of the premiere, Beethoven was completely deaf. Although he conducted the performance from the podium, the orchestra followed an assistant conductor. Beethoven couldn’t hear the applause at the end of the concert—it was one of the soloists who gently turned him around so he could see the audience’s ovation.
The “Ode to Joy”: a universal symbol
The fourth movement, set to Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” is a celebration of unity and brotherhood. It was the first time in history that a symphony included a vocal section. Today, it serves as the official anthem of the European Union and has been performed at historic moments of peace and reconciliation.
A symphony that still resonates today
Beethoven’s Ninth is performed in concert halls around the world and remains a cornerstone of the classical repertoire. It continues to inspire musicians, scholars, and audiences nearly two centuries after its premiere.To remember it is to believe in the power of music
Each May 7 is an invitation to reflect on the lasting impact of a masterpiece that speaks to our shared humanity. At Jorquera Pianos, we pay tribute to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as a timeless expression of artistic brilliance and human spirit.