Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven
Of all the composers that I have studied with my students, everyone remembers Ludwig van Beethoven. He is not remembered necessarily for his music but for the fact that he continued to compose music after he went deaf. During his lifetime ( 1770 – 1825) medical treatment was not effective to stop the loss of his hearing. In fact the educational video – Beethoven Lives Upstairs – highlights his final symphony – the 9th written in D minor.
All of us are familiar with the tune “Ode to Joy” that comes from the final movement of that symphony written from 1822 – 1824. When Beethoven wrote this composition he was completely deaf and struggled to continue to write music. He wrote a much longer symphony than other composer at that time period and included more complex musical techniques for instrumentalists. He also added a choir and soloists to the final movement. Although first written in German many different translations now exist in different languages and are used by choirs worldwide.
This tune can be performed by just a choral or instrumental ensemble or performed as Beethoven intended with the voices added in the final movement of the symphony. Ode to Joy is always uplifting and inspirational as well as consistently gives me goosebumps when performed well. I have taught this selection to many different classes using voices, orff instruments, recorder and guitar. When researching online I was surprised to see the different performances available for viewing. Many of you have also heard this tune as part of animated shows and movie performances.
I have chosen just a few video performances to demonstrate how one composition can be so different depending upon the group performing. I also wanted to demonstrate how our present situation should encourages us to continue to share and listen to beautiful music together.
Now for a flash mob version of Ode to Joy from 2019 that includes voices:
Here is an instrumental version that adds different rhythms and types of surfaces used for the performance:
And here is a final shorter version of Ode to Joy that I couldn’t resist including:
Hopefully these videos will bring you hope as stated by the final line of one of the English translations:
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sun ward in the triumph song of life.