♪♫ Ludwig van Beethoven turns 240
Of Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Toscanini once said, "One ought to conduct it on one's knees." It "begins in darkness and chaos and rises to a transcendent celebration of universal brotherhood," writes Michael Dirda. The composer was born 240 years ago today.
And by a reader's recommendation:
By
Melissa Bell
| December 16, 2010; 7:56 AM ET
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Thanks for these! Great stuff for a dreary day. Anyone who is a big fan of the 9th Symphony should also check out Beethoven's "Choral Fantasia." It anticipates the 9th nicely and is a rip-roaring piece of music.
Posted by: RD_Padouk | December 16, 2010 9:25 AM | Report abuse
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