Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 crowned #1 in the ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time – CW: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this release contains the name of a person who has passed away.
The votes have been counted, the country’s most loved classical pieces have been revealed, and the coveted number one spot has been claimed. Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 reignsas Australia’s favourite in the ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time.
The remarkable feat sees Beethoven’s Ninth (which includes the famous Ode To Joy finale) land the top honour for the fifth time in the history of the countdown, cementing its place as a defining piece that continues to resonate across generations.
Beethoven’s position as one of the nation’s favorites is further reflected in the composer’s strong presence across the countdown, with eight entries in total, including the Piano Concerto No. 5 ‘Emperor’ in second place. Rounding out the top three is Gustav Holst’s orchestral masterpiece The Planets, highlighting a trio of timeless classics that continue to captivate audiences.
Marking ABC Classic’s 50th anniversary, the ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time has firmly established itself as one of the most beloved countdowns in the event’s 25-year history.
Following a call out to audiences, over 187,000 votes were received in a standout year that saw 10 entries from Australian composers including Peter Sculthorpe, Elena Kats-Chernin and Nigel Westlake & Lior, along with celebrated First Nations artists William Barton and Gurrumul.
Almost a fifth of entries in the chart came from living composers, with the globally renowned John Williams accounting for five of these, placing him just behind Mozart (6 entries) and Beethoven for the greatest number of entries in the countdown. Elsewhere, this year’s ABC Classic 100 featured 17 Soundtracks, 9 Operas, 6 Ballets, and 1 Musical. The span of time between the oldest piece featured and the newest piece written is over 860 years: a testament to the enduring power and breadth of Australia’s favourite classical music.
ABC Classic Breakfast presenter Megan Burslem said:
“Beethoven’s Ninth coming in at #1 is no surprise. This is music of togetherness. It’s about rising up against destruction and division to prove that joy, love and the bond of humanity is and always will be, the antidote.
In this ABC Classic 100, we saw the depth and breadth of the classical music audience in this country. We have great taste in our little corner of the world, but I’m especially proud of the new Australian classical music in the mix. We heard from listeners who have just discovered one or two classical music pieces, to voters who have adored classical music for a lifetime.That in itself shows that great art, art that tells our stories, will always be great no matter if it was created yesterday or in the 12th century.”
Bringing the celebration to the screen, the ABC Classic 100 premieres Saturday, 27 June at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. Hosted by Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez, the event will showcase highlights from the landmark ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time, featuring the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Northey. Award-winning pianist Andrea Lam – and host of ABC’s The Piano – joins an acclaimed lineup including Nina Korbe, CJ Jones (from ABC’s The Piano), Natalie Chee, Warren Trevelyn-Jones and the MSO Chorus, for a night of remarkable music.
Relive the ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time now via ABC listen, and head to the ABC Classic 100 website for more.
ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time – #1 – #10
#1 – Beethoven, Ludwig van: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’ (includes “Ode to Joy”)
#2 – Beethoven, Ludwig van: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73, ‘Emperor’
#3 – Holst, Gustav: The Planets Op. 32
#4 – Vaughan Williams: Ralph, The Lark Ascending
#5 – Handel, George Frideric: Messiah, HWV56 (includes “Hallelujah Chorus”)
#6 – Jenkins, Karl: The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace (includes “Benedictus”)
#7 – Gershwin, George: Rhapsody in Blue
#8 – Bach, Johann Sebastian: Cello Suites, BWV1007-1012
#9 – Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus: Requiem in D minor, K626
#10 – Barber, Samuel: Adagio for Strings / Agnus Dei
Check out the full list here
Key Dates:
Saturday 27 June, 7:30pm AEST: ABC Classic 100 on ABC TV and ABC iview
Media Release – ABC
Link to ABC iview HERE
TV Central ABC content HERE
Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 crowned #1 in the ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time
