This is the birthday of Beethoven, who was born in 1770. I commemorate this event by linking to a YouTube video of Leonard Bernstein conducting a multinational group of musicians, including both East and West Germans, performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, as part of a celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall, on December 25, 1989. This part of the Ninth Symphony is often used in church hymnals, as "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee."
Beethoven was (and is) noted for the beauty and power of his music, and also for being almost totally deaf, but continuing to compose -- including the Ninth Symphony -- during the last years of his life.
I have previously posted on Beethoven's "Hallelujah Chorus," which also has a link to a YouTube video.
Thanks for reading, and, perhaps, for listening.
Musings on science, the Bible, and fantastic literature (and sometimes basketball and other stuff).
God speaks to us through the Bible and the findings of science, and we should listen to both types of revelation.
The title is from Psalm 84:11.
The Wikipedia is usually a pretty good reference. I mostly use the World English Bible (WEB), because is public domain. I am grateful.
I really like Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique for piano; it's fun to play, or attempt to play at least.
ReplyDeleteBeethoven wrote a lot of good stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Beethoven had the gift of spirit - music affects the spirit greatly. I believe his god given talent was to feel music with his soul rather than just compose and hear music with his 5 senses.
ReplyDeleteI've read that he wrote about smelling and tasting music - a flower's song would be sweet.
Thanks, atlibertytosay.
ReplyDeleteHis talent was God given, for sure.