Our next ensemble selection is Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). With predominantly stepwise melody and straightforward rhythm, it is the easiest ensemble choice in this chapter.
God Beams in the Redwoods | Nature was a spiritual source of renewal for nineteenth century composers. | Grace Seil Frary
Beethoven Musings
As a composer, Ludwig van Beethoven labored endlessly, sketching and reworking pieces for years. By his late twenties, Beethoven was well established as a composer. He was the first composer in history to live independently of exclusive patronage and earn a lucrative living from commissions and publication of his works. Publishers fought over his music:
“They no longer bargain with me... I demand, and they pay.”
And that is a position most of us can only dream of!
Ode to Joy is a melody from Beethoven's choral symphony, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, composed between 1822 and 1824. While this mammoth symphony is widely regarded as Beethoven's greatest work, the humble yet memorable Ode to Joy melody has taken on a music life of its own, arranged in endless choral and instrumental versions.
Here's a translation of Ode to Joy's first verse:
Joy, beautiful spark of Divinity,
Daughter of Elysium,
We enter, drunk with fire,
Heavenly one, thy sanctuary!
Thy magic binds again
What custom strictly divided;
All people become brothers,
Where thy gentle wing abides.
Ode to Joy is arranged for three guitars: guitar 1 (melody), guitar 2 (harmony) and guitar 3 (bass). The individual parts in notes and TAB may be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
Listen to the Track
Commence your Beethoven studies by listening to the audio track:
Beethoven Musings
Listen to the Track
