Beethoven composed his 9th Symphony, also known as the “Choral Symphony,” between 1822 and 1824. He was born on December 17, 1770, which means he was around 54 years old when he completed this monumental piece of music.
This symphony is especially notable for its final movement, which features the famous “Ode to Joy” choral setting, making it a groundbreaking work for its time. Beethoven was already experiencing significant hearing loss during this period, yet he managed to create one of the most celebrated and influential compositions in Western music history. The 9th Symphony premiered on May 7, 1824, and has since become a symbol of unity and human brotherhood.