Type: Classical Music
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Program: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
Company: Berlin Philharmonic, Berlin Radio Choir
Conductor: Claudio Abbado
Soloists: Karita Mattila, Waltraud Meier, Thomas Quasthoff
Location: Philharmonie, Berlin
Year: 2020

Check out this performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. In the first movement, iconic conductor Claudio Abbado keeps the tempo moving and the orchestral lines stay clearly separated. The scherzo is precise and rhythmic, with sharp articulation from the strings and timpani. In the slow movement, Abbado avoids stretching the melody, so it flows and avoids being overly sentimental. In the final movement, the much-loved “Ode to Joy” is controlled and passionate. A defining performance.