Beethoven and his Ninth Symphony: How the masterpiece is played and understood worldwide

Beethoven is everywhere. His Ninth Symphony is one of the most frequently played symphonies in the world. How do orchestras and musicians on three continents approach Beethoven's masterpiece? In the Congo, the "Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste" interprets Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on instruments, some of which the musicians built themselves. In a favela in Brazil, Beethoven's music helps people get off the streets. In Japan, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony inspires real enthusiasm. Every year, a choir of 10,000 sings the "Ode to Joy", the final chorus of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

The Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste was founded in 1994 in Kinshasa, and today, the orchestra and choir have around 160 members. In the run-up to Beethoven's 250th birthday in 2020, the musicians are collaborating on Beethoven's 9th Symphony under difficult conditions.

In Heliopolis, Sao Paolo’s largest favela, the Instituto Baccarelli music school uses classical music to give children and young people a break from their rough daily routines. 1,300 pupils are taught here by 60 teachers. Heliopolis’ own symphony orchestra plays regularly on the city's big stages. This time they’re rehearsing Beethoven's 9th symphony.

The immensity of the choir alone testifies to the Japanese affection for Beethoven: every year, 10,000 singers assemble in an arena in Osaka to render the "Ode to Joy", the final chorus from Beethoven's 9th Symphony. The focus is on the enthusiasm for Beethoven - a loving look at the Japanese mania for the famous German composer. And, like everywhere else, the choir sings the "Ode an die Freude" in German.

10,000 Japanese sing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjQNV9u1hzI

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