Beethoven, Symphony No.9 in D minor, op.125 “Choral”

The fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 unleashed a wave of democratization in Central and Eastern Europe that radically transformed the world order. "I am experiencing a historical moment, incomparable with others in my long, long life," commented Leonard Bernstein about the breakthrough of freedom in the Communist world. In a typically grandiose yet eloquent gesture, Bernstein spontaneously accepted an invitation to conduct two performances of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to celebrate this freedom. Two concerts, held in each sction of the city that had been divided for 28 years: one in West Berlin's Philharmonie on 23 December, the other in East Berlin on 25 December 1989. It was only fitting that East Germany's new-found freedom should be celebrated with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The monumental work, perhaps the world's most famous symphony, was inspired by Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy," a passionate paean to freedom. For his two concerts, Bernstein substituted the word "freedom" (Freiheit) for "joy" (Freude) to reflect his personal message. "I'm sure that Beethoven would have given us his blessing," added Mr. Bernstein. Our recording was taped live in East Berlin on Christmas Day 1989. Adding to the symbolism of the event, Bernstein conducted an orchestra and chorus formed of musicians from the United States, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union - the four victorious World War II allies who were still responsible for governing Berlin at the time. Joining the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus were musicians from the London Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, the Orchestre de Paris, the Staatskapelle Dresden, the Orchestra of Leningrad's Kirov Theater, as well as chorus members from the East-Berlin Radio Chorus and the Children's Chorus of the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra. Equally international were the illustrious vocalists in the final movement's "Ode to Joy," June Anderson, Sarah Walker, Klaus König and Jan-Hendrik Rootering.