The Power of Beethoven's Ninth
- Beethoven's Ninth Symphony has been used as a symbol of power and protest by dictators, leaders, and protesters for 200 years.
- The symphony has a complex history, from being associated with the fall of the Berlin Wall to being used as Hitler's birthday song.
- The story follows the tumultuous journey of Beethoven's Ninth to this year's Proms.
In a striking moment during a recent event, Melania Trump made a non-speaking appearance accompanied by an unexpected musical choice: the slow movement from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This selection, rather than the more recognizable "Ode to Joy," raised questions about her intentions. Was she subtly promoting cultural awareness within her party and the broader American public? The music, with its themes of unity and joy, contrasts sharply with the current political climate, where such ideals seem increasingly elusive. The Ninth Symphony, celebrated for its message of brotherhood as articulated in Friedrich Schiller’s poem, has a complex history. While it has been embraced as a symbol of global unity, its interpretations have varied widely. For instance, German Chancellor Angela Merkel viewed it as a beacon of hope, while figures like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have offered differing visions of unity that diverge from the symphony's original intent. Historically, the Ninth has been both a celebration and a tool of division. Its performance in 1989, conducted by Leonard Bernstein to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolized a moment of hope and reconciliation. However, the symphony has also been co-opted for darker purposes, such as its use during apartheid in Rhodesia and its performance for Hitler’s birthday, showcasing the duality of its legacy. As the Aurora Orchestra prepares to perform the Ninth at this year’s Proms, the piece continues to evoke discussions about its significance in contemporary society, reflecting both the aspirations and failures of humanity to unite.