A symphony is not just a symphony. Symphonic works are wonders to behold; great masterpieces composed by the geniuses of their day. Take Beethoven's Ninth Symphony for example. It is an absolute marvel of a composition. And yet, if you look at the story behind the symphony you will appreciate it all the more. By the time Beethoven composed the Ninth, he was completely deaf. The piece is magnificent enough, but when you realize this limitation, you will never listen to it in quite the same way again. I would be hard pressed to compose two minutes of an original composition for one instrument. Beethoven composed a four movement symphony, for orchestra and chorus, that lasts 59 minutes and 43 seconds!
In addition to this marvel, Beethoven got to conduct his own piece at its premier. I wonder what it must have felt like, standing on the podium, "hearing" the entire symphony in his head as he conducted the orchestra. When the last strains of the joyous fourth movement died away and Beethoven put down his baton, he didn't know what the reaction of the audience would be to this new symphony of his. The orchestra members had to motion to Beethoven to turn around and face the audience. As he did so, he saw them standing, clapping, and cheering for his wonderful masterpiece.
I urge you to take some time this week to listen to one of Beethoven's nine symphonies. These are just a part of the entire body of his work, but they certainly deserve to be placed in the category of "classics." That one man could compose so much beautiful music, be such a musical innovator in his day, and compose once he had become totally deaf are all marvels that only God could enable to come to fruition.
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