Ode to Joy

Creativity Poetry & Quotes
#1

Just want to share this Joy.
Was reading about Beethoven Symphony No 9 ,and that he used Schillers words when he wrote the melody. That melody is so full of joy.
At that time Beethoven was completly deaf and only could hear with his Inner ear. It did not limit his expression at all.

Ode to Joy by Schiller

Sing then , of the heav’n-descended
Daughter of the starry realm
Joy by love and hope attended,
Joy whose raptures overwhelm
Joy whose magic-re-uniteth
All that custom sternly parts;
Brothers all whom joy delighteth,
Reconciler sweet of hearts!
Ye who own the crowning treasure,
Loyal heart of faithful frien,
Ye whose love is woe and pleasure,
To our strain your voices lend.

#2

One of my favourite symphonies, I can meditate on it for hours. Of course the original german poem is so much nicer and the words so much more meaningful. I find that the translations do not capture the poem appropriately in its entirety. The original poem is of course also much longer. I have it in german and it always awaken my own feelings and sense of joy whenever i feel a bit overwhelmed in life. Thanks for sharing. :slight_smile:

#3

Yes, translations can never really raise to the level of the original. A poems rythm, it’s very sounds talk directly to the soul, while the meaning talks only to our minds. Surely, if this meaning is elevating, than it has similar effect in a different language, but without the full support of sounds, rythm. One of my favorite poets said that we should listen to poems told in languages we do not know, and that will make us realize what poems really are, or where they come from.
And this is great, because this way every nation can justify the existence of their language.

Schiller … I read his biography recently. His romantic idealism springs as a result of his souls yearning for freedom and joy from a very restrictive, authoritarian social environment. In his time, his low birth made necessary his forced introduction to the army school, and later inrolement into the army of the local duke, as a sanitary. He was not very fond of that duty, and the harsh life, so he wrote a drama in secret what made him famous. Eventually he fled … and became the Schiller we know. His life and opus must be contrasted to the times when he lived … and than our respect for him grows even greater.

… somewhere on this forums I gave a youtube link of Leonard Bernsteins explanation on Beethowen’s ninth simphony. I use the opportunity to link it again.

#4

Yes, I first heard Beethoven’s 9th when I was about 10. It touched me even tho I did not know the meaning of the words (no German). As I grew older and got to know more about the music, the words & Schillers poem - I was spell bound. It touches me deeply even today. :slight_smile:

Thank you Hubert for the Berstein’s link - much appericiated.

#5

Namaste all,
Thank you for posting the link Hubert en Pandara and Fin thank you also.
I do not know the German words en would love to hear them sometimes as Pandara say they are so beautiful and more meaningfull. So if Pandara can find some time and want to send them, i much appreciate it.
I am studying for 2 years on my guitar to play this part of the symphony. It gives me so much joy and lifts me up when i am down.
I use it to cultivate positive thoughts
The joy of sounds are traveling through my heart.
So i just wanted to share the ODE TO JOY with YOU ALL
with LOVE AND RESPECT TO YOU ALL DEAR HEARTS
louise

#6

Namaste Dear Louise,

I have sent you a PM to the link on the net. :slight_smile: For those who wish to read it in german, it is on Wikipedia at, it is the original 1785 version when I compare it to my poem book. Search: An die Freude.

Enjoy.

#7

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.

Henry van Dyke: Ode to Joy
written in 1908 to accompany Beethoven’s 9th Symphony

I was hoping to add to the joy by sharing this =)
With great respect and love,

#8

Namaste NIchole, yes very beautifull indeed and it will sure add to our joy here.
Much appreciated
with Love from louise