"
Ode to Joy" (German: "An die Freude"
[an diː ˈfʁɔʏdə]) is an
ode written in the summer of
1785 by German poet, playwright, and historian
Friedrich Schiller and published the following year in
Thalia. A slightly revised version appeared in 1808, changing two lines of the first and omitting the last stanza.
"Ode to Joy" is best known for its use by
Ludwig van Beethoven in the final (fourth) movement of his
Ninth Symphony, completed in 1824.
Beethoven's text is not based entirely on Schiller's poem, and introduces a few new sections. His tune
[1] (but not Schiller's words) was adopted as the "
Anthem of Europe" by the
Council of Europe in 1972 and subsequently by the
European Union.
Rhodesia's national anthem from 1974 until 1979, "
Rise, O Voices of Rhodesia", used the tune of "Ode to Joy".
Beethoven was born in
Bonn. His musical talent was obvious at an early age, and he was initially harshly and intensively taught by his father
Johann van Beethoven. He was later taught by the composer and conductor
Christian Gottlob Neefe, under whose tuition he published his first work, a set of keyboard variations, in 1783. He found relief from a dysfunctional home life with the family of
Helene von Breuning, whose children he loved, befriended and taught piano. At age 21, he moved to
Vienna, which subsequently became his base, and studied composition with Haydn. Beethoven then gained a reputation as a virtuoso pianist, and he was soon courted by
Karl Alois, Prince Lichnowsky for compositions, which resulted in his three
Opus 1 piano trios (the earliest works to which he accorded an
opus number) in 1795.
Joy, beautiful spark of Divinity [or: of gods],
Daughter of
Elysium,
We enter, drunk with fire,
Heavenly one, thy sanctuary!
Thy magic binds again
What custom strictly divided;*
All people become brothers,*
Where thy gentle wing abides.
Whoever has succeeded in the great attempt,
To be a friend's friend,
Whoever has won a lovely woman,
Add his to the jubilation!
Yes, and also whoever has just one soul
To call his own in this world!
And he who never managed it should slink
Weeping from this union!
All creatures drink of joy
At nature's breasts.
All the Just, all the Evil
Follow her trail of roses.
Kisses she gave us and grapevines,
A friend, proven in death.
Salaciousness was given to the worm
And the cherub stands before God.
Gladly, as His suns fly
through the heavens' grand plan
Go on, brothers, your way,
Joyful, like a hero to victory.
Be embraced, Millions!
This kiss to all the world!
Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.
Are you collapsing, millions?
Do you sense the creator, world?
Seek him above the starry canopy!
Above stars must He dwell.
