Completed in 1824, three years before the composer's death, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony occupies a special place at the summit of Classical literature — the peak of Beethoven's orchestral output and, for generations of composers, the supreme model of extended symphonic form. The finale is in itself unique in the orchestral repertory of its time, bringing the power of poetry and song to the symphonic fabric: Beethoven's dramatic choral setting of Schiller's
Ode and die Freude
— his "Ode to Joy."
The work is reproduced here from the authoritative Litolff edition and appears in full score with bar-numbered movements for easy reference. Ideal for study in the classroom, at home, or in the concert hall, this affordable, high-quality, conveniently sized volume will be the edition of choice for music students and music lovers alike.