What Is The Curse Of The Ninth?

The phrase ‘Curse of the Ninth’ refers to a long-standing superstition in Classical Music that composers who reach their ninth symphony are doomed to die before completing their tenth symphony. Whilst this sounds like a ridiculous myth, the idea has persisted for over a century - fuelled by the (maybe coincidental) deaths of some of the most famous composers in history!

The curse of the Ninth is often cited as starting with Ludwig Van Beethoven who’s Ninth Symphony or Symphony No.9 was revolutionary on its premiere in 1824 introducing choral elements Ito a symphonic form and setting a new artistic benchmark. However, Beethoven died in 1827 without completing a tenth symphony which, alone wouldn’t have started the superstition. This isn’t surprising given the death of several prominent composers at similar points in their careers; after their ninth symphonies or during work on their tenth. This has led musicologists to question the pattern and wonder if there is a connection between the different phenomena.

Gustav Mahler, famous for his giganticism seen most notably in his Symphony No.8 (Symphony of a Thousand) was very aware of the so-called curse and attempted to work around it by not numbering one of his major orchestral works (Das Lied Von Der Erde) as his ninth symphony. He completed his official Symphony no.9 but died whilst working on his Tenth Symphony. For many, this was all the confirmation they needed of the curse’s validity.

Other famous composers to be got by this are Anton Bruckner who died before completing his Ninth and Franz Schubert who managed to complete his ninth symphony, despite his early death. Ralph Vaughan Williams also lived to complete his Ninth Symphony but died shortly afterwards. While these patterns are not exactly the same, there is enough alignment to keep the legend alive.

The Curse of the Ninth persists to this day and continues to fascinate classical music lovers. Part of this appeal may lie in the symbolism for many cultures where nine represents completion or finality - adding a layer of mysticism. There is also an emotional aspect where the Ninth Symphony of a composer represents the culmination of their life’s work, likely being their finest and defining work, making it a final statement. When a composer dies soon afterwards, it reinforces the perception of an final endpoint. 

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Nick Pike is a London-based composer, pianist, saxophonist, producer, and educator with over 15 years of professional experience. His music blends neoclassical piano with jazz, funk, and contemporary influences, drawing comparisons to Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, and Ólafur Arnalds. Alongside original compositions, Nick offers music services including scoring for film, TV, and advertising, piano and saxophone recording, arranging for strings and horns, and professional mixing and production.

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