Symphony no. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven in D minor op. 125 is a symphony unlike any other. This piece of music explores innovations in a wide range of style characteristics and techniques that have universal appeal to audiences around the world. Beethoven, who wrote this symphony from 1822 to 1824, envisioned the music set to the poem "Ode to Joy" by Friedrich Schiller. Beethoven used the text of this poem as the textual basis for the magnificent ending as the poem displays themes and ideals similar to the themes of the Enlightenment period that was prevalent during the American and French Revolutions. The characteristics exemplified by Beethoven in his Choral Symphony are the idea of ​​equal opportunities for all people, cooperation between all individuals, and the enjoyment of freedom and all that being free has to offer. The premiere of this symphony not only received tremendous acclaim and applause from the audience in attendance, but it inspired composers such as Schubert, Brahms, and Mahler to continue this proclamation of emotional expression and purpose in musical literature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay An important innovation used by Beethoven in the composition of this symphony would definitely be the change in the size of the orchestra. The large-scale scale with which this symphony was composed not only created a more robust sound, but also created greater complexity in structure and instrumentation. The instrumentation includes piccolo (only 4th mvt.), two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets in A, Bb and C, two bassoons, contrabassoon (only 4th mvt.), horns 1 and 2 in D and Bb, horns 3 and 4 in low Bb, Bb and Eb, two trumpets in D and Bb, alto, tenor and bass trombone (used only in 2nd and 4th mvt.), timpani, bass drum (4th mvt.), triangle (4th mvt.), cymbals (4th mvt.), SATB choir with soprano, contralto, tenor and bass solos ( used only in the 4th mvt.) and strings. The first movement of the Symphony is in sonata form, excluding however the repetition of the exposition. The movement begins in D minor and is marked Allegro ma non tanto, un poco maestoso. The first notes played represent a tuning of the orchestra as they are played in a succession of open fifths. The second movement is a joke and a trio and is marked by very liveliness. This is unusual as most symphonies place an Andante as the second movement and reserve the joke for the third movement. The joke takes place in D minor and is classified as a complete sonata form while also adhering to the form of a compound ternary structure. The third movement is marked Adagio tanto e cantabile, is in B flat major and is in the form of a double variation. The first variation occurs in 4/4 time while the second variation occurs in 12/8 time with 3/4 time steps separating the two variations. The fourth movement begins with Presto and uses the thematic material that was present in the previous three movements before the first theme of the Ode to Joy is played by the cellos and double basses. The entire orchestra plays variations on this theme which lead to the baritone soloist's proclamation of the first lines of the poem which translated are “Oh friends, not these sounds! Let's sing more pleasant and joyful ones instead!” This movement ends in a joyous D major and is longer than most of the classical symphonies that precede this piece of music. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay This symphony shaped and influenced how the Romantic period was to be structured and implemented throughout.