9 is often considered a cursed number in the context of classical music due to a superstition called "the curse of the ninth." This belief centers around the idea that a composer's ninth symphony will be their last, leading to their death during or after its creation, or even before they can complete a tenth symphony.
The Curse of the Ninth Explained
The "curse of the ninth" is more of a superstition or legend linked to classical music history. It suggests an ill fate awaits composers after their ninth symphony. According to the provided reference:
The curse of the ninth is a superstition connected with the history of classical music. It is the belief that a ninth symphony is destined to be a composer's last and that the composer will be fated to die while or after writing it, or before completing a tenth.
This superstition largely originates from the deaths of several prominent composers after, or while composing, their ninth symphonies.
Historical Context and Examples
The supposed "curse" gained traction because several composers who reached their ninth symphony died relatively soon afterward:
- Ludwig van Beethoven: While Beethoven's case is a cornerstone of the curse narrative, he did begin working on a tenth symphony, though it was unfinished at his death.
- Antonín Dvořák: Dvořák successfully completed his ninth symphony ("From the New World"), and lived for over a decade afterward, which somewhat contradicts the curse, but the idea remained influential.
- Gustav Mahler: Mahler's case is more complex. He completed his Symphony No. 8. He then composed Das Lied von der Erde, which can be seen as a symphony in song form. Next he began work on Symphony No. 9 and completed it, then began Symphony No. 10, but died before it was finished. Some argue that Das Lied von der Erde should be counted as his ninth, thus making Symphony No. 9 his "tenth", seemingly fulfilling the curse.
Is it a Real Curse?
It's essential to remember that the "curse of the ninth" is just a superstition. There is no empirical evidence to support the claim that composing a ninth symphony leads to a composer's death. Correlation does not equal causation. The lives of many composers are complex, and their deaths occur for various reasons unrelated to their symphonic output.
Debunking the Myth
Here are some reasons why the "curse of the ninth" is considered a superstition:
- Small Sample Size: The number of composers whose deaths are cited as evidence is relatively small.
- Selection Bias: Only cases that seem to support the curse are typically highlighted, while composers who lived long after their ninth symphony are often ignored.
- Natural Causes: Composers, like all people, die of various natural causes. Attributing these deaths to a "curse" is an oversimplification.
