Ode to Joy

Just got back from hearing the Bozeman Symphony perform Ode to Joy - Beethoven's 9th.  Amazing is the only word that comes to mind.

Bozeman definitely has its share of talented people and the orchestra that perform is no exception.  I've always been a great fan of Beethoven's 9th anyway and this was such a neat way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

What's even more remarkable is the fact that Beethoven wrote this when he was almost completely deaf.  When it was first performed in Vienna in 1824 Beethoven had to be turned around at the end to see the applause and joy he'd given the audience.  This is a photo of one page of the original manuscript.

I grew up singing Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee to the tune of Ode to Joy.  I've always loved the words Henry Van Dyke wrote in 1907 to be sung to Ode to Joy. It starts out:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

What a day of praise!  I feel completely re-energized for the week to come.

I'll leave you with this wonderful flash mob video.