Good morning!
Ludwig von Beethoven was born this day in 1770. His Ninth Symphony is commonly known as the \”Ode to Joy\” because it serves as the music for Friedrich Schiller\’s poem of the same name. Historians say that Beethoven finished the symphony after he was almost completely deaf and never heard the audience\’s applause at the first performance.
Although not overtly \”Christmas Music,\” the choral piece does bring to mind the joy of Christmas. I also find that the first stanza is especially meaningful with the events of the past year. May we find that joy this Christmas season that binds all people together rather than wrenches us apart!
Conductor Marin Alsop brought together the fabulous Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Stay at Home Choir to bring us a truly joyful ode. Dare you not to smile while listening to this one. Enjoy!
Have a wonderful day, everyone!