"Ode to Joy" (German: "An die Freude"), is an ode written in the summer of 1785 by German poet, playwright, and historian, Friedrich Schiller. It is a fairly thorough examination of the emotion of joy, its origins and its purposes.

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Schiller, in the opening stanza and chorus of “ode” are all encompassing, welcoming all men to be united and restored as brothers. The ode goes on to call men to pause and appreciate all natural surroundings, "all creatures drink at nature's bosoms...”.

 

Schiller's meanings in "Ode to Joy" are simple: Joy is needed for life and motivation. Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life!

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"Ode to Joy" is now best known for its use by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final (4th) movement of his Ninth Symphony in D minor, Op. 125, composed between 1822 and 1824. It was first performed in Vienna on 7 May 1824. One of the best-known works in common practice music, it is regarded by many critics and musicologists as one of Beethoven's greatest works and one of the supreme achievements in the history of western music. In the 2010s, it stands as one of the most performed symphonies in the world.

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In 2001, Beethoven's original, hand-written manuscript of the score, held by the Berlin State Library, was added to the United Nations Memory of the World Programme Heritage list, becoming the first musical score so designated.

 

In the same theme established since the 18th century, we welcome all of you to Ode to Joy, Serendah, for thanksgiving and celebration of life.

* Ode to Joy *