the Music

The score of Dancing Joy is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, also called the “Choral Symphony," due to his innovation of using human voices within a symphony. 

 

In its four movements, the symphony celebrates humanity--and the divine spark within all people--described in Friedrich Schiller’s  “Ode to Joy.” It affirms humanity's purpose to live in joy, as brothers, with a single loving Creator. 

 

Though profoundly deaf at the time, Beethoven not only composed, but conducted, the  1824 debut of the symphony.  With great passion, he gesticulated to the musicians--but when the music had finished and the audience was cheering, he continued conducting. Only when a singer turned him to see the ovation did he realize the symphony had ended.  His palpable shock stunned the audience, who then understood that this magnificent music came from someone who couldn't hear a note. 

 

In creating this music, Beethoven showed that the human spirit can transcend every circumstance.  Small wonder this groundbreaking symphony has become associated with triumph over great obstacles.  It has become the music linked to human rights advances, reconciliation of hostilities and visionary efforts.