Great works: Beethoven's Symphony No 9 "Choral"
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- Start Date: 05 Aug 2025End Date: 05 Aug 2025Tue (Daytime): 10:45 - 13:15In PersonFull fee £39.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £39.00
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What is the course about?
Beethoven’s “Choral” Symphony, his last completed symphony, has been described as “a manifesto for social change, political upheaval and the limitless possibilities of human artistic expression” (BBC Proms 2024 programme note).
How can a musical composition become so significant, and what does it still mean for audiences today?
What will we cover?
- Overview of the place of the Choral symphony in Beethoven’s symphonic and choral output
- overall structure of the symphony
- Beethoven’s choice and use of Schiller’s poem “An die Freude” [Ode to Joy]
- the composition process, especially of the Ode to Joy melody
- some aspects of the cultural significance of the work over the last 200 years.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand the place of the Choral symphony in Beethoven’s output
- recognise the overall structure of the symphony
- know what Schiller’s poem is about, and what it meant to Europeans of Beethoven’s time
- understand how the work was composed, and reached its final form
- know about some aspects of the symphony’s cultural significance, and have a basis for further exploration of ways in which the symphony has had an impact on music and culture.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners’ course. No prior knowledge of music or opera is assumed or expected. You will need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions and take part in class discussion in English, and to take your own notes. All material in German will be accompanied by English translations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, guided listening and watching, class discussion.
Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom, with recommendations to encourage further exploration after the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have a pen and notebook to make your own notes during class. You may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a wide range of Music history courses. For more information, visit our Guide to the Music history programme. You may also be interested in courses in history, art, ideas, German culture, etc.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
