Struggle, transcendence and humour – music that laughs, often through gritted teeth – are the hallmarks of Beethoven’s work. Forget the Ninth’s appropriation as a crutch to prop up manifestos of every ...

It was premiered almost two centuries ago. And Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 still feels as urgently needed today as ever. Later this week Ludovic Morlot will lead the Seattle Symphony and Chorale, ...