Vienna celebrates 200 years of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

The symphony, recognized as one of the greatest masterpieces of Western classical music, debuted in Vienna in 1824.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, completed between 1822 and 1824, stands as his final complete symphony.

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of its premiere on May 7, Vienna is hosting a series of performances of this monumental work.

The symphony, widely recognized as one of the greatest masterpieces of Western classical music, debuted in Vienna in 1824, where Beethoven lived and worked for most of his life.

The city is currently celebrating with a series of performances of the symphony, notably by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of the renowned Italian conductor, Riccardo Muti.

Elke Manner-Prochart, a mezzo-soprano who also sings in the choir, explained to the BBC the challenges of performing the piece.

“We have three movements to be like an audience, but not as relaxed as the audience," she says.

"At the beginning of the fourth movement the heart begins to beat and we have to concentrate. And then it's a challenge, because we have, in a very short time... to give them all the emotions. It's not so easy.”

The symphony was first performed at the court theater, the Kärntnertortheater, in Vienna in 1824. Despite his increasing hearing loss, Beethoven himself conducted the performance.