Beethoven’s Ninth…The Priceless Symphony

When discussing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony most people think about the music and/or the way it makes them feel. I for one think about the sweeping melodies, epic string sections, and “Ode to Joy”. However, I recently came across an article about Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony that made me think about a completely different aspect of Beethoven’s Ninth…an aspect that had nothing to do with the specific aural aspects of the music.

The article came from The Times London Archives, written in 2003, and reads “Score of Beethoven Ninth sold for £2.1m”. Above is a copy of the Article including an image of the score.

The article reads that the sale of the manuscript was so expensive because it was “used by the composer when he conducted its world premiere in 1824.” That means this was a part of Beethoven’s manuscript used at the premiere. It was purchased by an anonymous private collector.

Beethovens Ninth is truly one of the most famous and momentous pieces in music history, and learning about this sale made me think about and ask myself: Why are artifacts from this premiere worth 2.1 million pounds? What makes these sheets of paper so important?

I think the answer to these questions is because it represents something far more than just Beethoven’s music, it represents a fragment of the history of music as a whole. That primary document is in fact a piece of artwork in itself. They are some of Beethoven’s final writings. It is those sheets of paper that brought about the conception of one of the most important days in music history; Beethoven’s ultimate Symphony.

On another level, the artifact/manuscript was so important specifically to Beethoven, because of his deafness. That manuscript was Beethoven’s way of connecting with the orchestra. He had to have faith in this particular manuscript and the orchestra. This manuscript was his only way of organizing the sounds and ideas in his head, and bringing them to life .

My final question and curiosity regarding this manuscript is, should the piece be purchased by a private collector? Ultimately, I believe it is priceless, and belongs on a shrine in a beautiful museum. Although, this isn’t is the case we can still appreciate images and articles informing us of the massive value, and meaning behind this document and it’s contents. Articles and purchases like this inform us that the value and history of music is invaluable.

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