Virtually all of Japan's symphony orchestras perform Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth and last symphony at the end of the year, as the general populace makes its annual affirmation of the noble qualities declaimed in the lyrics of the choral finale, Friedlich von Schiller's "An die Freude (Ode to Joy)." Japanese orchestras have long thrived under the tradi- tion of these yearend concerts, and orchestras from abroad are likewise sensitive to the advantages of presenting this work on tour in this country.
These considerations are of particular interest to music promoters, responsibly concerned with boosting box-office revenue. Still, there is artistic merit in performing the great composition in and of itself. Its well-known musical demands also testify to the technical and expressive accomplishment of the performers.
Performing and experiencing great works of art is ennobling to the participants, and enriching to society. The ancient Greeks knew this. They enumerated the seven liberal arts and sciences as grammar, rhetoric, logic; mathematics, geometry, astronomy; and music.