Symphonies to Lift Our Spirits . . .

Does Beethoven’s #9 or Mozart’s #41 Inspire You More?

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is the ultimate inspiration for many lovers of classical music. After all, it is Beethoven’s world-changing final symphony that brings in a chorus and soloists for the final movement for the famous “Ode to Joy.” Yet for other people, Mozart’s last symphony is just as inspiring. There’s no chorus in it of course, but it is nicknamed “The Jupiter,” and it too can be heard as a great composer’s final message to the world.

In these two final symphonies, the composers seem to rocket off into new realms, and offer to take us along with them.

So, Which Symphony Inspires You More?

Of course, you are under no obligation to choose between these two works. Why not listen to both, whenever you like? But I have to admit that when I need just an extra dose of reassurance, I always reach for one instead of the other.

Does one of these symphonies speak to you more than the other does? To help you decide, we have selected two wonderful recordings from our formidable Classical Archives streaming library.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D-, Op. 125 (“Choral”)

We had so many great recordings in our library to choose from, from conductors ranging from Sir Simon Rattle to Herbert von Karajan to Arturo Toscanini, and many more. But since we had to decide, we chose this exemplary, rather Apollonian recording made by the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bernard Haitink. It is on the BR-Klassik label.

CLICK HERE to explore this recording.

Mozart: Symphony No. 41 in C+, K. 551 (“Jupiter”)

It was again difficult to choose among the many wonderful recordings in our library. But after listening to lots of them (which was certainly not a hardship!), we opted for this wonderfully clear and beautifully paced Naxos recording from the Capella Istropolitana, conducted by Barry Wordsworth.

CLICK HERE to explore this recording.

Let Us All Prepare for New Joys that Lie Ahead!

Despite the many obstacles and challenges ahead of us, we are beginning to feel that brighter new days are indeed on the horizon. May Mozart and Beethoven point the way to new joy. They always have, and they are certainly not going to let us down now.