Freude, schöner Götterfunken!

by Tobias on December 16, 2009

In honor of Beethoven’s birthday in 1770, I would like to take note of my personal favourite of his works:

As we all know, D minor is the saddest of all keys*. That being said, I find the 9th to have the ark of life; a life well lived with nothing but highlights, of course, as there are no boring parts. It would be nice if life were actually to have this ark with no boring parts, but I’m sure Beethoven didn’t want to highlight the wonderful moments of “brushing of teeth” or “waiting in line at the DMV”.

(Hit play now and enjoy the music while you read and continue to enjoy while you surf elsewhere.)

The piece starts as if the strings are being tuned as they fade in, and, like a slap on the ass, the music comes screaming into existence. Happiness forms like worms in your ear. Sadness dances under the guise of melody. The end is a climax of pure joy; a true “La petite mort” in almost every way, except being “petite”.

The poem it is based on is a celebration of life which Beethoven modified. When it is time for my friends and family to look back upon my time on this earth, I hope they can listen to this song and revel in a life lived.

Lyrics bellow via wikipedia. Words written by Beethoven (not Schiller, the original writer of Ode to Joy) are shown in italics.

German original	English translation
O Freunde, nicht diese Töne! Sondern laßt uns angenehmere anstimmen, und freudenvollere. Freude! Freude!	Oh friends, not these tones! Rather, let us raise our voices in more pleasing And more joyful sounds! Joy! Joy!
Freude, schöner Götterfunken Tochter aus Elysium, Wir betreten feuertrunken, Himmlische, dein Heiligtum! Deine Zauber binden wieder Was die Mode streng geteilt; Alle Menschen werden Brüder, Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.	Joy, beautiful spark of gods Daughter of Elysium, We enter drunk with fire, Heavenly one, your sanctuary! Your magic binds again What custom strictly divided. All men become brothers, Where your gentle wing rests.
Wem der große Wurf gelungen, Eines Freundes Freund zu sein; Wer ein holdes Weib errungen, Mische seinen Jubel ein! Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund! Und wer’s nie gekonnt, der stehle Weinend sich aus diesem Bund!	Whoever has had the great fortune To be a friend’s friend, Whoever has won a devoted wife, Join in our jubilation! Indeed, whoever can call even one soul, His own on this earth! And whoever was never able to, must creep Tearfully away from this band!
Freude trinken alle Wesen An den Brüsten der Natur; Alle Guten, alle Bösen Folgen ihrer Rosenspur. Küße gab sie uns und Reben, Einen Freund, geprüft im Tod; Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben, Und der Cherub steht vor Gott.	Joy all creatures drink At the breasts of nature; All good, all bad Follow her trail of roses. Kisses she gave us, and wine, A friend, proven in death; Pleasure was to the worm given, And the cherub stands before God.
Froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen Durch des Himmels prächt’gen Plan, Laufet, Brüder, eure Bahn, Freudig, wie ein Held zum Siegen.	Glad, as His suns fly Through the Heaven’s glorious design, Run, brothers, your race, Joyful, as a hero to victory.
Seid umschlungen, Millionen! Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt! Brüder, über’m Sternenzelt Muss ein lieber Vater wohnen. Ihr stürzt nieder, Millionen? Ahnest du den Schöpfer, Welt? Such’ ihn über’m Sternenzelt! Über Sternen muss er wohnen.	Be embraced, millions! This kiss for the whole world! Brothers, above the starry canopy Must a loving Father dwell. Do you bow down, millions? Do you sense the Creator, world? Seek Him beyond the starry canopy! Beyond the stars must He dwell.
Seid umschlungen, Millionen! Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt! Brüder, über’m Sternenzelt Muss ein lieber Vater wohnen. Seid umschlungen, Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt! Freude, schöner Götterfunken Tochter aus Elysium, Freude, schöner Götterfunken	Be embraced, you millions! This kiss for the whole world! Brothers, beyond the star-canopy Must a loving Father dwell. Be embraced, This kiss for the whole world! Joy, beautiful spark of gods, Daughter of Elysium, Joy, beautiful spark of gods

*Lick My Love Pump – Nigel Tufnel

Spinal Tap – Lick My Love Pump – Funny videos are here

Tagged as: Beethoven, Music

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Amurmur January 7, 2010 at 12:03 pm: I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?

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Freude, schöner Götterfunken!

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