2007 Grammy Nominee for Best Orchestral Performance

Few works of art – musical or otherwise – are as firmly established in the canon of global culture as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The sheer size and complexity of it is daunting even today, and at the time of its composition it was a highly revolutionary work. Even so, the audience at the first performance, in 1824, was enthusiastic – as audiences have been ever since. Its appeal has not only stood the test of time, however – the Ninth holds significance for people all over the world, regardless of country: the closest we have to a truly universal piece of music.