By: Nathan Chen

By: Nathan
Even if you have never listened to the entirety of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, you are no doubt familiar with the final movement, the legendary “Ode to Joy.” It turns 200 this year but is still a timeless, universal symbol across cultures and generations for unity, hope, and joy.

Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” has showed up everywhere, from major historical moments to everyday life. That universal appeal is for not only the melody, but also for the message of poet, Friedrich Schiller, who wanted to see a world where “all men become brothers.”.

The music is a masterpiece of simplicity. Beethoven fashioned the “Ode to Joy” to be easily sung and remembered, with a four-beat measure and very simple phrases, making it within even an a beginner musician’s ability.

Premiered in 1824, the Ninth Symphony was revolutionary. No symphony had used a chorus up until that time. For this finale, one of the sudden choral entries was unmatched. In the symphony,only instrumental are the first three movements, which leads up dramatically to the greatness of the fourth movement.

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was well ahead of its times, breaking many conventions and bridges to the Romantic era in music. The “Ode to Joy” section repeats a theme and its variations to progress through different styles and moods to reflect the feelings of joy and unity.

The “Ode to Joy” is such a powerful piece because it is so accessible, and carries an important message. Critics have argued the work is overexposed, but its persistence throughout history would prove otherwise. Beethoven wanted to convey a vision of humanity united which, through the simplest and most enthralling melody, survives to this day. So long as unity and joy endure as a dream, the “Ode to Joy” will be an enduring piece of music cherished by all time.

Sources:
Why We Still Want to Hear Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ 200 Years Later – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

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