Beethoven Tops ABC Classic 100 Countdown for Fifth Time

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Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 has once again claimed the title of Australia’s favourite classical work, taking out the top spot in the latest ABC Classic 100 countdown.

The monumental choral symphony, best known for its triumphant “Ode to Joy” finale, secured the coveted No. 1 position in the ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time list, marking the fifth time the work has topped the poll.

This year’s countdown, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of ABC Classic, attracted more than 187,000 votes, making it one of the most popular editions in the event’s 25-year history.

Beethoven dominated the rankings beyond the top spot, landing eight works in the final 100. His Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” finished at No. 2, while Gustav Holst’s beloved orchestral suite The Planets rounded out the podium at No. 3.

Australian composers also made a strong showing, with 10 local works featured in the countdown. Among those represented were Peter Sculthorpe, Elena Kats-Chernin, Nigel Westlake and Lior, alongside celebrated First Nations artists William Barton and the late Gurrumul (who will soon be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame).

The list reflected the broad scope of contemporary classical listening habits. Nearly 20% of works in the countdown were written by living composers, with film music icon John Williams securing five entries. Only Mozart and Beethoven appeared more frequently.

This year’s chart also featured 17 soundtrack works, nine operas, six ballets and one musical, spanning more than 860 years of music history between the oldest and newest compositions included.

ABC Classic Breakfast presenter Megan Burslem said Beethoven’s enduring appeal lies in the work’s message of hope and unity.

“Beethoven’s Ninth coming in at No. 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,” she said.

“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.”

The countdown will also be brought to television audiences later this month. ABC Classic 100: Greatest of All Time will premiere on ABC TV and ABC iview on June 27th, hosted by Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez and featuring performances from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under conductor Benjamin Northey.

Award-winning pianist Andrea Lam, alongside Nina Korbe, CJ Jones, Natalie Chee, Warren Trevelyn-Jones and the MSO Chorus, will feature in the special event.