Classical Music

Classical Music  » Music of the Heart Will Not Be Silent

Music of the Heart Will Not Be Silent

Most of Beethoven’s masterpieces were composed while

he was deaf. He had inside him music that would not be

stilled by life’s circumstances. His music triumphed

over suffering.

The last movement of the Ninth Symphony is choral music

Beethoven set to Friedrich von Schiller’s poem “Ode to Joy.”

Beethoven believed this poem celebrated the brotherhood of

man.

On May 7, 1824, when the Ninth Symphony premiered,

Beethoven was on-stage conducting. Also on-stage

was a supplementary conductor necessary because of

Beethoven’s deafness. When the “Ode to Joy” movement

was over, the audience erupted in applause. Beethoven

did not turn around as he could not hear them.

Turn Around and See What You Have Created

One of the chorus members broke protocol and moved

towards Beethoven. He took hold of the composer’s arm.

Beethoven gave him a fierce look but the chorus member

persisted gently turning him around. By then the applause

had subsided.

As Beethoven looked out into the audience, they began to

rise in standing ovation. First one person and then many and

then all. It is said that a single, small tear of joy slipped

down the composer’s cheek. It is also said that another tiny

companion tear rolled down the cheek of the chorus member

standing next to him.

Some Questions for You

What gift inside of you is so strong that it must triumph

over any adversity (or shyness or inactivity or busy-ness)

and come out for others to enjoy? Are you still holding it in,

sapping creative energy by squelching it? What will it take

for this ability, this genius, to flow out of you on a

stream of inspiration?

We all have our genius with which we can make our world

and that of others a more beautiful place. Part of being

a member of the brotherhood of man is sharing our gifts

with each other. What will bring your tear of joy?

And one more question, who in your life gently turns you

around when you are facing in the wrong direction so you

can see your standing ovation?

And Today . . .

Read these words from “Ode to Joy”:

“Let us raise our voices in more

pleasing and more joyful sounds!”

Sing today. Sing, sing, sing the happiest songs you

know. As the words flow out of your mouth with gusto,

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feel every cell in your body spinning and dancing and

cavorting with joy. Each song will be a workout of

gladness for your whole being. Yeah, it may feel silly at

first but do it anyway. Soon the happiness will permeate

you and all feelings of silliness will fly out the window,

never to return.

Get others to sing with you. Let’s make this day an

international day of song

if you find yourself in a situation where you cannot sing

right that moment, hum in your head. Head humming is

highly beneficial for you, too.

Make today a symphony of song and jubilation. And before

you go to sleep, give yourself a rousing round of applause.

What a day this can be.

About the Author

Merry Method To Accelerate Success_. Excerpts at

http://www.allen-nichols.com/success.cfm

She coaches people in using the two Merry

Maxims, WYTUG (What You Think Upon Grows)

and LULU (Loosen Up, Lighten Up), to achieve health, wealth,

creativity, and harmonized relationships.

Contact her at mailto:Stephanie@allen-nichols.com