Beethoven's Ninth Symphony: Rehearsing and Performing its 1824 Premiere

The book "The Ninth Symphony: Beethoven and the Making of a Musical Icon" by Theodore Albrecht tells the story of the months leading up to the premiere of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Vienna in 1824, including the negotiations for performance halls and performers, hand-copying scores, and finding financiers and space for rehearsals. It also reveals the relationship between Beethoven and the musicians who performed the symphony, and how many passages were tailored to specific orchestral players. The book is based on Beethoven's Conversation Books, which are being translated into English for the first time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Ninth Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven, renowned for its final choral movement, stands as one of the most iconic works of Western classical music. However, the untold story behind the symphony's world premiere in Vienna on May 7, 1824, and its subsequent repeat performance on May 23, 1824, has yet to be fully revealed. In his captivating new book, Theodore Albrecht delves into the intricate details that unfolded during the months leading up to the premiere. It is a tale of negotiations, securing performance halls and performers' fees, hand-copying legible scores and individual parts for over 120 performers, securing financiers, and finding both space and time for rehearsals. Moreover, the book sheds light on the profound relationship between Beethoven and the musicians who brought this symphonic masterpiece to life. As the rehearsal schedule intensifies towards the premiere, it becomes evident that many passages of the Ninth Symphony have been tailored specifically to individual orchestral players. This reconstruction of the story draws upon Beethoven's Conversation Books, which he had been using since 1818, providing a unique perspective into the composer's creative process.

In the performance story of the Ninth Symphony's premiere, Albrecht makes full use of these invaluable documents, which are now being translated into English for the first time in a series of 12 volumes published by the Boydell Press. This groundbreaking translation offers modern-day musicians, scholars, and students an unprecedented glimpse into the world of Beethoven and his Ninth Symphony. The book not only sheds light on the technical aspects of staging the premiere but also delves into the emotional and artistic journey of the musicians as they prepared to perform this iconic masterpiece.

Through meticulous research and meticulous storytelling, Theodore Albrecht has brought to life the day-to-day details and the profound relationship between Beethoven and the musicians who performed his Ninth Symphony. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone interested in classical music, music history, and the creative process of one of the greatest composers of all time.

Weight: 1g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837651054