Ninth & Destiny

Is there any symphony that makes one feel the power of music as much as Beethoven's "Ninth"? This music has an allure that attracts people. There is something in it that transcends the emotions that we do not encounter in our daily lives. Beethoven was a great admirer of the works of the German poet and thinker Schiller. Schiller's works are rooted in an indomitable spirit of freedom. It took about 30 years from the time Beethoven came up with the idea of setting Schiller's poem, "On the Joyous Occasion," to the time he completed it. Beethoven lost his hearing despite being a composer. The music is a shining hope out of darkness and chaos, and a sublime "love for mankind" created by an anguished genius who accepted his destiny. The first words sung by the bass in the fourth movement were written by Beethoven, not Schiller. "Oh friends, it does not sound like this! Let us sing more pleasantly, more joyfully." Then begins the solo singing of Schiller's poem, which is eventually passed on to the choir and soloists. All people are brothers", "Embrace each other, millions of people". The "Song of Joy" is a majestic and dramatic call for freedom, equality, peace, and fraternity. It will give us the strength to rise up and hope for tomorrow.
　This performance will also feature Symphony No. 5, "Destiny. The "Fate" has been called the most beautiful symphony in terms of its form, with its skillful use of the characteristic opening motif and its compositional power.
　The Ukrainian National Opera will celebrate its 156th anniversary in the 2023-24 season. The Ukrainian National Opera will come to Japan with a strong desire to maintain their stance as artists and performers despite the difficulties they are going through.