Final answer:
The reception of Beethoven's 9th symphony was mixed, with some admiring its grandeur and innovation, while others found it too long and complex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reception of Beethoven's 9th symphony was a) With mixed reviews and controversy. The symphony, which was performed for the first time in 1824, initially received a range of reactions from the audience and critics. Some admired its grandeur and innovative use of a chorus, while others found it too long and complex. It took some time for the symphony to gain widespread recognition and appreciation.