In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a superstition emerged. This superstition was that composers would die while writing their 9th symphony. Let's take a closer look at this superstition that bothered composers and is closely related to the history of classical music!
According to people who believe in this idea, a composer who composes his ninth symphony has reached a turning point in his life. If they are preparing for their tenth symphony, it is a challenge to fate.
The idea that the 9th symphony is the end of composers has a connection with reality. Because Beethoven, Schubert, Dvoák and Vaughan Williams are among the famous composers who passed away after completing their ninth works, while Anton Bruckner passed away before finishing his ninth work. Considering these names, it can be thought that superstition is not that superstitious.
After completing his eighth symphony, Mahler came up with an interesting plan to overcome this curse and superstition by replacing the word symphony with 'Das Lied von der Erde'. Nevertheless, symphony meant symphony and he passed away while he was preparing his tenth symphony.
Williams composed many works such as concertos, ballets, film music, choral music and later composed his 9th symphony. Williams died a few weeks after composing his 9th symphony. The death of the famous artist surprised his family and friends because Williams was very healthy even the day before he died.
Anyone who wants to go beyond that must pass away. It seems as if in the tenth we may be given something we are not yet ready for, something we are not yet ready to know. Those who wrote the ninth stayed very close to the afterlife.