“Ode To Joy ” or “Ode an die Freude” in German, is the main theme of the fourth and final movement in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Unlike the tradition in the genre of classical symphony which is strictly orchestral music, Beethoven embellished his last symphony with a grandiose vocal part; four vocal soloists, supported by a large chorus, are summoned to sing along with the orchestra. The lyrics sung are a revision of the inspirational poem An die Freude, originally written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785. Show
Through his 9th symphony, Beethoven expressed his ideals of a higher morality and the notion of a free and rational modern humanity. In 1972, the European Council adopted the piece as the “Anthem of Europe” and, later on, the European Union followed this example. Beyond any doubt, Ode to Joy has proved to represent a universal and timeless symbol of peace, brotherhood and freedom that people all over the world identify with. This profound masterpiece of ingenuity is sung in more than 13 different languages and performed in major official events and celebrations – not to mention the numerous flash mobs around the globe! On this page you can find the German lyrics, the English translation and a printable lyrics PDF file for free download. We have selected for you a few videos that will help you get a taste of the greatness of this piece: First you can listen to an excerpt from the 9th symphony; second, the version as the European anthem. Last, but not least, a flash mob from 2014 that depicts people’s spontaneous participation. Almost 2 centuries have passed since 1824 that Beethoven wrote his 9th; yet it still resonates mankind’s noblest expression to the universe! Contents
Printable Lyrics PDFClick on the button to download a PDF file with lyrics to this song for free.
Lyrics in GermanFreude, schöner Götterfunken, Wem der große Wurf gelungen, Freude trinken alle Wesen Froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen Seid umschlungen, Millionen.
English translation**for the English lyrics of “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee”, click here Joy, beautiful sparkle of the gods, Whoever has had the great fortune All creatures drink of joy Gladly, as His suns fly Be embraced, Millions!
Sing-along Video (excerpt from Beethoven’s 9th)
European Anthem Sing-along Video
Flash Mob Video
In 1907, the American author Henry van Dyke wrote “The Hymn of Joy” or “Joyful, Joyful we adore thee”, set to Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy”. You can watch a sing-along video and download a PDF file with lyrics to this song for free by clicking on this button: Wie geht der Text von Freude schöner Götterfunken?Freude, schöner Götterfunken, Tochter aus Elysium, Wir betreten feuertrunken, Himmlische, dein Heiligthum! Deine Zauber binden wieder Was die Mode streng geteilt; Alle Menschen werden Brüder, Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.
Was ist mit Tochter aus Elysium gemeint?Die „Tochter aus Elysium“: Persephone, Demeter und ihre Bedeutung in der Pflanzenmythologie der Antike. Mit Persephone änderte sich alles: Lebten die Menschen zuvor in ewigem Frühling, so führte ihr Raub durch Hades in die Unterwelt zur Entstehung der Jahreszeiten.
Was bedeutet der Text der Ode an die Freude?Mit hohem Pathos beschreibt diese Ode das klassische Ideal einer Gesellschaft gleichberechtigter Menschen, die durch das Band der Freude und der Freundschaft verbunden sind.
Warum ist Ode an die Freude die Europahymne?Die Hymne symbolisiert nicht nur die Europäische Union, sondern auch Europa im weiteren Sinne. Mit seiner „Ode an die Freude“ brachte Schiller seine idealistische Vision zum Ausdruck, dass alle Menschen zu Brüdern werden – eine Vision, die Beethoven teilte.
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