Beethoven: Symphony 9 (Bernard Haitink) (CD, Br-Klassik)

A recording of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth is always an event, also because the symphony with Schiller’s final chorus An die Freude is understood all over the world as an appeal for peace and international understanding. It is no coincidence that the catchy melody for the text joy, beautiful spark of gods was also chosen as the hymn of the European Union. The present recording under the direction of Bernard Haitink takes these facts into account not only with an excellent instrumental and vocal line-up and interpretation of the choral symphonic masterpiece – it is also an event in itself, as it is the recording of his last concerts on the podium of the symphony orchestra of the Bayerischen Rundfunks is taking action: just a few months after the two Munich concerts on February 21 and 22, 2019, the important Dutch conductor, who celebrated his 90th birthday on March 4, announced the end of his career.