Why Beethoven's ninth always comes first

This iconic symphony and the message it conveys is supremely relevant – even on a desert islandMore castaways on Desert Island Discs have chosen Beethoven's ninth symphony for company than any other piece. The symphony's 97 desert island fans range from Fred Zinneman to Claudio Abbado and from Glenys Kinnock to Enoch Powell. And it's a fair bet that when the votes are counted in the current "Your Desert Island Discs" poll of listeners, that Beethoven's last and longest symphony will be somewh...

Read full article Share article