Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is a magnificent work. The last symphony of the great composer surpasses all previous symphonies in scope and effort: it lasts over an hour, requires an extended orchestra, four vocal soloists and a large choir. Part of the music from the 9th Symphony now has a "life of its own": the setting to music of Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy" with its simple, catchy melody and the statement "All men will be brothers" is known to many people all over the world. Th...