Beethoven in 1824: The Road to the 9th Symphony with Gil Harel

By 1824, Beethoven was in many ways aged beyond his years. Fallow years of creativity were marred by a particularly acrimonious custody battle with his late brother's wife and the complete deterioration of his hearing. Such were the circumstances during which he composed and premiered a work that would go on to become one of the brightest gems in the crown of western civilization: the 9th Symphony.

What was going on in Beethoven's life when he composed this work, and why did he elect to include a chorus in a genre that had then hitherto not included such?

Join Professor Gil Harel as we mark the 200 year point since the premier of this landmark work. 

About Gil Harel

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching").

Currently, he is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 6 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At Naugatuck Valley, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.