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Beethoven's Ode to Joy

John Suchet, Hans Rhieburg and Susan Greenfield reflect on the impact of Beethoven's last symphony 'Ode to Joy'. From 2000.

Reflections on the impact of Beethoven's last symphony.

John Suchet describes the writing and performing of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy', while choral conductor Simon Halsey talks about the special difficulties choirs encounter in singing it.

Hans Rhieburg tells of the first performance conducted by Leonard Bernstein in East Berlin when the wall came down.

Professor Susan Greenfield describes first hearing this work as a depressed student on a rainy Sunday afternoon and how it transformed her world from gloom to joy.

Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.

Producer: Sara Conkey

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 19 Apr 202500:00

Credit

RoleContributor
ComposerLudwig van Beethoven

Broadcasts

  • Fri 25 Sep 201518:30
  • Sat 26 Sep 201500:30
  • Tue 12 May 202018:30
  • Wed 13 May 202000:30
  • Fri 18 Apr 202510:00
  • Fri 18 Apr 202516:00
  • Sat 19 Apr 202500:00

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