Gaudete - Rejoice
When Ludwig van Beethoven composed his masterful 9th Symphony (1824), featuring the lyrical poetry of Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy," he was completely deaf. Enraptured by the transcendental idealism permeating the Enlightenment, Beethoven sought to capture the spirit of Hope embedded in Joy, such that its Light could suffuse the darkness of human suffering. https://www.themarginalian.org/2022/05/17/beethoven-ode-to-joy/
The gestation of this stellar composition lasted some thirty years. Like Nature, artistic genius requires time and tremendous transformation. As a paean to Joy, the music continues to enthrall listeners with its soulful exuberance, as a celebration of indomitable Hope. A timeless masterpiece, it is performed especially around winter solstice, when Light is returning to Earth. When Nature emerges in all its glory, what erupts is Joy.
What follows is is an Ode to Joy in Creation. Let there be Light. Let there be Hope. Let there be Joy!
"All the Earth's an Ode to Joy"
(to the tune of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' from his 9th Symphony)
Laura A. Weber
with Bert R. Thelen
Hopeful, Joyful Lights are streaming
Stars pierce through Night's darkened Dreams
Shrill of Owl and Wolfsong keening
Soul-infusing beckoning
Gentle Snow Flakes floating o'er us
Comfort blankets chill and fright
Pine Boughs gleaming Frost enchanting
Welcome Stillness, Thrill of Night
Rippling, whistling, Winds are driving
Hooves and Antlers - Dance of Grace
Leaping, gliding, fear subsiding
As their Blaze inflames the place
Hopeful, Joyful Mountains ringing
Oceans crashing, Waves of Glee
Forests tremble with their greening
Unabated Ecstasy
Skyhawks soaring, Gulls exploring
Vast expanse of fiery Seas
All Creation still adoring
Heaven's deepest Mysteries
Lift the gloom of Hope's long absence
Raise the veil of death's decoy
Love crescendoes! Nature's Gladness!
All the Earth's an Ode to Joy!
(Flash Mob performs "Ode to Joy")
And - Beethoven's Adaptation of Schiller's poem,
"Ode to Joy," for his 9th Symphony, English translation:
O friends, not these tones!
But let’s strike up more agreeable ones,
And more joyful.
Joy!
Joy!
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.
Whoever has succeeded in the great attempt,
To be a friend’s friend,
Whoever has won a lovely woman,
Add his to the jubilation!
Yes, and also whoever has just one soul
To call his own in this world!
And he who never managed it should slink
Weeping from this union!
All creatures drink of joy
At nature’s breast.
All the Just, all the Evil
Follow her trail of roses.
Kisses she gave us and grapevines,
A friend, proven in death.
Ecstasy was given to the worm
And the cherub stands before God.
Gladly, as His suns fly
through the heavens’ grand plan
Go on, brothers, your way,
Joyful, like a hero to victory.
Be embraced, Millions!
This kiss to all the world!
Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.
Are you collapsing, millions?
Do you sense the creator, world?
Seek him above the starry canopy!
Above stars must He dwell
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