Symphony No. 9  in D minor, Op. 125 (also known as “the Choral”), is Ludwig van Beethoven’s final complete symphony.  Completed in 1824, the symphony is one of the best-known works in classical music.  Among critics, it is almost universally considered Beethoven’s greatest work, and many consider it one of the greatest pieces of western music.  The symphony was the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony (thus making it a choral symphony).  The words are sung during the final movement by four vocal soloists and a chorus.  They were taken from the “Ode to Joy”, a poem written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with additions made by the composer.  Today, it stands as one of the most played symphonies in the world.   (More from Wikipedia)