Recently, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, particularly the "Ode to Joy" section, has been in the news due to its association with the Labour Party in the UK. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has chosen this piece of classical music as a representation of the party's values and aspirations.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is a monumental choral symphony and the final complete symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It was written between 1822 and 1824 and premiered in Vienna on May 7, 1824. The symphony is renowned for its inclusion of Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy" poem in the final movement, which celebrates unity, brotherhood, and joy. This symphony is considered a masterpiece of Western classical music and is often performed at significant cultural and political events due to its themes of universal humanity and solidarity.