One Symphony to Rule them All

Author

Nadia Mair
May 08, 2025

You finally find your seat in the stalls after rushing through the crowd to be able to sit down before the orchestra makes its appearance, and take in the majesty of the Vienna Opera House; the glittering chandelier hanging precariously overhead; balconies holding constant movement of excited conversations like twittering birds; ladies with their colorful gowns and their hair decorated in fine jewels and feathers making the room like a colorful swarm of chickens while the men break the color up with their dark tailcoats and top hats.

Everyone has been buzzing about this upcoming premier, wondering how on earth the composer had completed such a feat as to write an entire symphony without being able to hear a single note of it!

And not only was this premier happening after years without a public appearance, but the composer himself would be conducting the orchestra - and this may be his last premier ever.

Suddenly movement on the stage captures your eye as musicians trickle in to find their seats and start tuning their instruments. There’s a sudden stillness in the crowd, until whispers start to become voices and voices become a low rumble mixing with sounds of instruments as if joining in the conversation.

More people enter the stage, and you realize that this symphony won’t only be instruments - but feature a choir of voices as well.

The lights flicker, and everyone quiets.

After a moment of stillness, Beethoven starts walking on stage, and the audience draws in a collective breath.

Being in the presence of this incredible genius brings a tear to your eye as you watch him take his place to conduct. Umlauf follows behind, presumably taking his place to conduct the orchestra when Beethoven cannot hear where the cues should be.

The lights dim, Beethoven readies his baton, and with a flick of the wrist, the music begins…

Nearly 200 years ago to the day, Beethoven premiered the last symphony he wrote, Symphony No. 9.

Imagine living in Vienna, where entertainment at the time was defined by composers, writers, and choreographers.

It must have been an extravagant event to witness Beethoven’s last symphony, conducted by the man himself, which ended with 5 standing ovations and visible weeping from the audience.

Take some time to listen to it this week, and put yourself in that place.

Remember why music and creating is so important - and how much power it holds to move people.

If you’d like to listen to a part you’ll be sure to recognize, go to 2:38 at the video below:

Until next time,

Nadia