Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, first performed 200 years ago, has become a work often used for political purposes. It has been played at significant events such as the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Beethoven himself was interested in politics, being concerned with moral behavior, freedom of thought, and personal expression. The famous line from the symphony, “All men become brothers,” reflects his broader interest in societal issues, particularly freedom and individual rights.
Although Beethoven was not an activist, he was deeply political in a broad sense, focusing on moral questions and humanity as a whole. He associated freedom with personal expression and individual rights, rather than with economic considerations. The Ninth Symphony, with its message of unity and brotherhood, expresses hope for a better world. However, the many crises facing humanity challenge this hope, as lessons from the past seem to go unlearned.
For Daniel Barenboim, the Ninth Symphony is a lesson for life, teaching the balance between emotion and intellect. Beethoven’s ability to structure feelings and evoke emotional responses highlights the depth and complexity of music. Music, as a form of expression, conveys metaphysical messages through physical sound, allowing for individual interpretations and reactions. The Ninth Symphony, considered by some as the greatest ever written, symbolizes Beethoven’s revolutionary spirit and artistic freedom.
In times of despair, one can find hope and courage in the message of the Ninth Symphony. Just as Antonio Gramsci expressed a will to remain optimistic despite pessimism, Beethoven’s work emphasizes the importance of overcoming suffering and finding the courage to continue on. The legacy of Beethoven and the Ninth Symphony continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike, reflecting the timeless themes of unity, freedom, and the human spirit.
