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.
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*Lick My Love Pump – Nigel Tufnel
Spinal Tap – Lick My Love Pump – Funny videos are here
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