I’ve heard “Ode to Joy” sung as a hymn on many occasions, most notably at my brother’s wedding 38 years ago. The lyrics are a bit different, but the theme is the same: Joy gives life meaning and should be celebrated! The hymn takes the extra step of specifying that God is the Source of joy; then it expands on that concept until its final couplet: “God our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine / Teach us how to love each other—lift us to the Light divine!” Amen.
Here's something quite refreshing. I was looking at other videos of performances of the Beethoven 9th. I chose one conducted by Daniel Barenboim conducting the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra performing in Berlin. The notes say: "The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is a very special ensemble: It is made up of young Israeli and Arab musicians and is campaigning for a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict. The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which was founded in 1999, gives concerts all over the world. Proceeds from the concert in Berlin went to the Barenboim-Said Academy, which supports musical education programs." This is a marvelous performance with excellent young musicians under the guidance of a master conductor. It is marvelous that their goal is peace. That should make all of us feel Joyful!! In Solidarity. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=TpWpqs864y0
Once again Dan , you remind us that joy is our true response to life no matter our circumstances. Beethoven took his life as he found it and continued to bring beauty to the world responding with the gift he was given leaving us an inspiring way to live. We too, living in a deaf world, must bring our own ode to joy to the needs of those living in injustice in its myriad forms. You never cease to bring us vision. Thank you!
I cannot listen to this wonderful symphony without tears coming to my eyes! Tears of joy for all the love and joy it proclaims and tears of sadness for those who have never experienced the joy expressed by this beautious melody!
My wife and I married on August 5, 1978, so we will be celebrating our 48th anniversary in a couple of weeks. We are ELCA Lutherans and one of the hymns we used in our wedding was Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, which uses the music of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. So, once again, you bring back wonderful memories and give me a true reason to smile. Thanks, Dan!
Thanks Dan for selecting a Beethoven Classical Masterpiece in your weekly Reason To Smile series. This particular selection is one of the greatest anthems of all time. “Ode To Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth and final Symphony is its triumphant choral climax. Thanks Dan for selecting this particular performance of this masterpiece I really enjoyed it.
Brilliant 👌
I’ve heard “Ode to Joy” sung as a hymn on many occasions, most notably at my brother’s wedding 38 years ago. The lyrics are a bit different, but the theme is the same: Joy gives life meaning and should be celebrated! The hymn takes the extra step of specifying that God is the Source of joy; then it expands on that concept until its final couplet: “God our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine / Teach us how to love each other—lift us to the Light divine!” Amen.
Thank you, , my spirit needed that!
Thank you Dan- so beautiful & so needed in these fraught times!🥲
Thank you Mr. Rather! I never knew the words to this and I'm joyful to read them.
Of course, after seeing the movie "The Money Pit" I can't help but associate it with that movie! (Ugh, ha-ha).
You always post the very thing needed at the right time. I appreciate you so much! Best to you and family.
Here's something quite refreshing. I was looking at other videos of performances of the Beethoven 9th. I chose one conducted by Daniel Barenboim conducting the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra performing in Berlin. The notes say: "The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is a very special ensemble: It is made up of young Israeli and Arab musicians and is campaigning for a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict. The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which was founded in 1999, gives concerts all over the world. Proceeds from the concert in Berlin went to the Barenboim-Said Academy, which supports musical education programs." This is a marvelous performance with excellent young musicians under the guidance of a master conductor. It is marvelous that their goal is peace. That should make all of us feel Joyful!! In Solidarity. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=TpWpqs864y0
Thank you Dan! We so need this.
Once again Dan , you remind us that joy is our true response to life no matter our circumstances. Beethoven took his life as he found it and continued to bring beauty to the world responding with the gift he was given leaving us an inspiring way to live. We too, living in a deaf world, must bring our own ode to joy to the needs of those living in injustice in its myriad forms. You never cease to bring us vision. Thank you!
I cannot listen to this wonderful symphony without tears coming to my eyes! Tears of joy for all the love and joy it proclaims and tears of sadness for those who have never experienced the joy expressed by this beautious melody!
Beautiful music. One of the greatest pieces ever. Recently listened to the entire piece performed by our local symphony. Moving and unforgettable!
Goosebumps. What I needed to hear right now. Thanks.
Thank you Dan, we all need a little joy now and then. Beethovens 9th is spot on so diverse.
Thank you. Music!
My wife and I married on August 5, 1978, so we will be celebrating our 48th anniversary in a couple of weeks. We are ELCA Lutherans and one of the hymns we used in our wedding was Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, which uses the music of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. So, once again, you bring back wonderful memories and give me a true reason to smile. Thanks, Dan!
Thanks Dan for selecting a Beethoven Classical Masterpiece in your weekly Reason To Smile series. This particular selection is one of the greatest anthems of all time. “Ode To Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth and final Symphony is its triumphant choral climax. Thanks Dan for selecting this particular performance of this masterpiece I really enjoyed it.
Dan and Team Steady, what a wonderful choice!
Thank you.