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Beethoven's Symphony No. 9: The Choral

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The final complete symphony by Beethoven was Symphony No. 9, also referred to as “The Choral”. Not only is it considered one of his greatest works, it was one of the best known in the classical period, as well as the greatest compositions in western music. He was the first major composer to used voices in a symphony with a chorus. In 1817 the symphony was commissioned to The Philharmonic Society and was completed in 1824. Beethoven used a theme which is first played instrumentally is then reproduced vocally. This symphony premiered with the biggest orchestra ever assembled at this time. The main vocalists consisted of a contralto, a soprano and an alto with parts specifically written for their ranges. As well, he had a tenor, baritone

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