A recording of Ludwig van Beethoven's 'Ninth' is always a great event, especially because the symphony’s final chorus, Schiller's 'Ode to Joy', is understood around the world as a plea for peace and international understanding. It was no coincidence that the catchy melody to the text 'Joy, beautiful spark of divinity' was chosen as the Hymn of the European Union. This recording of Beethoven’s great choral symphony under the direction of Bernard Haitink and with excellent instrumental and vocal soloists is not only an outstanding interpretation of the work but also very much an event in itself – because these recordings document Haitink’s last ever concerts with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks. Haitink's decision marks the end of a conducting career spanning 65 years. He has been a regular and highly welcome guest of the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, and numerous CDs on the BR-KLASSIK label document the exceptional quality of this creative collaboration.