Beethoven's Last Symphony

I read this one a few years back. One of the kid's toys plays Ode to Joy over and over and over..... It reminded me of this. Author unknown.

A music teacher on sabbatical took some time for an extended visit to Vienna. One night late in the evening he took a stroll through the graveyard where Beethoven was laid to rest. As he quietly strolled he could hear music playing from the center of the grave yard. The teachers interest was peaked because he recognized the tune but there was something odd about it.

As he walked towards the melody it became louder and louder. He was perplexed, he knew the tune but there was something wrong. As he came upon Ludwig's burial spot he realized the music was coming from the grave. It hit it then that it was Beethoven's 12th Symphony but it was different IT WAS BEING PLAYED BACKWARDS!..

A little creeped out the Teacher stayed until the last note.

The next night he went back to the graveyard and he heard the music again. It was coming from Beethoven's grave again, and again a very familiar tune but not quite right. It was the legendary composer's 9th Symphony only it was again being played in reverse.

The next night the Teacher brought a friend with him. The same thing. Beethoven's 7th this time and there was no doubt it was being played backwards.

The following night a large crowd gathered around Beethoven's grave. As mysteriously as the preceding evenings music began to play. The crowd was in awe as they heard Beethoven's 5th being played backwards. They debated and theorized as the all too familiar melody played backwards.

The crowd became anxious and louder as the symphony played on. The Cemetery's grounds keeper went up to the crowd to see what the commotion was. all about.

The Teacher explained the situation. The first night he heard the 12th Symphony, then the 9th, then the 7th and tonight the 5th coming from Beethoven's grave. All being played backwards. The crowd was quite alarmed.

The Groundskeeper pushed his hat back on his head and stared at the crowd in disgust. Isn't it obvious he exclaimed in a agitated tone. He's de-composing!