Some Thoughts on Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and the Ode to Joy, by JoAn Segal, President

Given that Beethoven was completely deaf by the time he wrote his ninth symphony, one could readily understand that he might feel life was not worth living without being able to enjoy the sound of music. It is surprising that he continued composing, and to think that he composed this great symphony under these circumstances is beyond the comprehension of many of us who can be overcome by far smaller obstacles.

But not only did he compose a symphony: it was, and he probably knew it, his last symphony, the last great musical statement he would leave the world. And he decided to bring that work to its conclusion by incorporating a novel idea – a significant choral work – into the final movement, thus finishing his oeuvre with something new. How marvelous!

Yet there is still more marvel: on what text did he build the chorale? On a text of wondrous joy which has its own history. Friedrich Schiller was born in 1759, ten years after Goethe. In many ways he followed in Goethe’s shadow all his life. He is probably the second greatest poet and playwright Germany has ever known and, as such, he is highly honored there. The years in which he began writing favored a highly emotional literary style, known as “Sturm und Drang,” or storm and stress. Works of this period were characterized by effusive language, highly emotional content, exorbitant expressions of feeling – whether love, hate, or despair. The poem “An die Freude” dates from this period (1785). Charged with passionate sentiments about brotherhood, the gifts of God, the loving nature of God, and an outburst of joy, it is the work of a young poet, carried away by his emotions. It is ironic that this work has become the best known Schiller work outside his native land.

It has become so because of Beethoven’s decision to use that text for the chorale in the last movement of the 9th Symphony. This selection results in a final statement of such overwhelming happiness and good feeling as we rarely encounter.

Translating poetry is always a balancing act between capturing the literal meaning of a poem and expressing that meaning in a poetic manner that is consistent with the original work. In this case, I am not going to try to make an English poem that will approximate Schiller’s verse. Tim has already distributed such a work. Rather, I will try to express the strongly emotional sense of the work in an attempt to render the feeling contained in Schiller’s words and how they are set by Beethoven. (Keep in mind that I am neither a musicologist nor a skilled translator.)

The choral movement begins with the baritone soloist, who interrupts the movement:

O Freunde, nich diese Töne! Sondern lasst uns angenehmere anstimmen, und freudenvollere.

Oh friends, this isn’t the right mood! Let’s begin to sing in a more agreeable and joyful way.

Then the men’s voices of the choir join the baritone soloist, singing:

Freude! Freude!

Joy! Joy!

Freude, schöner Götterfunken, Tochter aus Elisium!

Joy, beautiful spark of the Gods, daughter of Heaven!

Wir betreten feuertrunken, Himmlische, dein Heiligthum!

Heavenly one, we are as though intoxicated with passion as we follow your holiness!

Deine Zauber binden wieder, was die Mode streng getheilt;

Your magical charms bind together again that which “Fashion” has strictly divided;

Alle Menschen werden Brüder wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.

All mankind becomes one brotherhood where your soft wing lingers.

The altos then join the men in repeating part of this, then the soloists continue:

Wem der grosse Wurf gelungen, eines Freundes Freund zu sein,

Whoever has had the great good fortune to know what it is to be part of a true friendship,

Wer ein holdes Weib errungen, mische seinen Jubel ein!

Whoever has won a lovely woman, mix his jubilation in!

Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund!

In fact, anyone who has a soul to call his own in this world!

Und wer’s nie gekonnt, der stehle weinend sich aus diesem Bund.

And let the one who has never known Joy steal away weeping from this company.

The last couplet is repeated by the whole choir. The soloists then go on:

Freude trinken alle Wesen an den Brüsten der Natur;

All beings drink joy at the breast of nature;

Alle Guten, alle Bösen folgen ihrer Rosenspur

All who are good, and all who are bad follow her rosy scent.

Küsse gab sie uns und Reben, einen Freund geprüft im Tod;

She gave us kisses and grapes, and a friend true to the death;

Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben, under der Cherub steht vor Gott,

Sensuality was given even to the worm, and the Cherub stands before God,

Again, the last couplet is repeated by the choir. The tenor soloist and then the men’s voices enter in a marching mode:

Froh, froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen durch des Himmels prächtigen Plan,

Gladly, gladly, as His suns fly through the heavens’ splendid plan,

Laufet, Brüder, eure Bahn freudig, wie ein Held zum Siegen.

Brothers, follow your path happily, like a hero to victory.

The entire chorus repeats the beginning verse (Freude, schöner Götterfunken) and then it is joined with the following:

Seid umschlungen, Millionen! Diesen Kuss der ganzen Welt!

Oh, masses, embrace this kiss of the whole world!

Brüder! überm Sternenzelt muss ein lieber Vater wohnen

Brothers! Surely above the vault of heaven a loving father must dwell.

The two themes: the almost pagan one addressed to Joy, that beautiful spark which we follow as if drunk with passion, and the invocation to the masses to believe that there must be a Heavenly Father up there somewhere, are intertwined in a double fugue.

Ihr stürzt nieder, Millionen? Ahnest du den Schöpfer, Welt?

Are you undone, all of you? World do you imagine a creator?

Such’ Ihn überm Sternenzelt! Über Sternen muss er wohnen.

Look for him above the heavens! He must live over the stars.

The soloists introduce the final part of the work, returning again to the first theme: (Freude Tochter aus Elisium). They are joined by the whole choir for the Deine Zauber verse, stressing the brotherhood of all humankind. Finally the choir repeats the Seid umschlungen theme, exhorting the audience to embrace joy and to believe that a loving father dwells above us. The work comes to a frenzied ending with Freude, schöner Götterfunken, Tochter aus Elisium, Freude, schöner Götterfunken. Even though we sober 21st Century folks may find this an overblown expression, it was just this gross overstatement of joy that Beethoven chose as his last major message to the world.

Planning Committe

by Jack Biddle, Committee Chair

In the Fall of 2006, an invitation was sent out to Chorale members to participate in a Planning Committee to create a basis for planning the future of the Boulder Chorale. A committee of Board members and non-Board members was formed and set out to define the bases of planning decisions current and future.

The purpose of this exercise was to assure that:

1. decisions made and goals set would be consistent with the defined nature and purpose of the organization and

2. would discipline goals and their achievement to assure success.

Accordingly, the committee established the beginnings of a strategic plan, consisting of a vision, assessment of core values and a defined mission statement. From these bases, it is felt that all goals set with their milestones, timelines, cost/risk/benefit analyses, etc will be consistent with a positive direction for the Chorale.

The strategic plan and all its components are intended to be organic and flexible and will be regularly reviewed and adjusted as necessary to changes in our musical environment and intentions.

Following are the three bases of the strategic plan for the Boulder Chorale:

Vision

As musical ambassadors of goodwill, the Boulder Chorale is a community dedicated to musical excellence and inclusivity, bounded by a common love of the choral art.

Core Values

1. Business. We are committed to the success of the Boulder Chorale.

2. Education. We educate members through repertoire and vocal training.

3. Community. We engage in artistic collaborations and partnerships with other organizations.

4. Inclusivity. We welcome and accept everyone who wants to sing choral music.

5. Solidarity. Our members respect and take pride in each other, the music, and the Boulder Chorale.

6. Music. We are dedicated to musical excellence.

Mission

The Boulder Chorale enhances the community’s quality of life by offering music education, outreach, and quality performances.

Chorale Tour to Greece

Erin Christensen-Mandel, Tour Coordinator

Two months left! The final tour payment will be due by Tuesday, April 24. All payments will be due. I will need a photocopy of everyone’s passports by April 12. Please note that the Chorale office does not have a working photocopy machine. In the meantime, if you have any questions, contact me at: 303-554-7692 / boulderchorale@yahoo.com

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Boulder Chorale will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Jubilee Hall. Last year’s meeting was great fun and we hope we’ll have some entertainment for you that will help us close a fine year of hard work.

Ticket Sales Thank You

by Karen Haimes, Ticket Manager

REHEARSAL SALES

Cenobio Chacon

Laura Meyers

Britt Ripley

Sue Hintz-Siegrist

Mark Saggio

Rosemary Wrzos

SALES AT THE DOOR

Wayne Bender

Beth Biddle

Linda Burrow

Josie Chacon

Erin Christensen – Mandel

Arlene Devore

Elsbeth Pryer Diehl

Mara Hotaling

ANGEL TICKETS

Sara Neustadtl

TICKET VENDOR DELIVERY

Laura Meyers

Erin Christensen-Mandel

WILL-CALLS AND COMPS

Baiba Lennard

TALLYING ATTENDANCE

Deb Vink

BonVoyage!

Even if you can’t go with us, do come and wish us “Bon Voyage” as we prepare for our tour of Greece, which will take place June 28 – July 7. The Bon Voyage concert will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Watch for more details.

Beethoven Ticket Sales

by Karen Haimes, Ticket Manager

Here’s how to purchase your 20% off tickets for the April 28^th Beethoven Concert at Macky Auditorium:

1. Determine the number of tickets wanted and price range

Add $1 Boulder Philharmonic surcharge per ticket for phone or mail orders:

§ $8 for Loge 3 and Orchestra 4 tickets

§ $20 for Loge 2 and Orchestra 2 tickets

§ $28 for Loge 1 and Orchestra 1 tickets

§ $44 for Gold Circle tickets

§ $52 for Opera tickets

§ To visualize seating areas, refer to our Season Brochure on the bulletin board outside of our office at Atonement Lutheran Church or go to www.boulderphil.org

2. Place your order in one of the following three ways:

a) By Phone—no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 23

§ 303-449-1343; extension 2

§ Have credit card information ready; orders will not be taken without payment

§ Give your name as a member of the Chorale to get the 20% discount

§ Add $1 BPO surcharge per ticket for phone orders

b) By Mail-must arrive by 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 23

§ Send to: The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra

Attention: Beth

2995 Wilderness Place

Suite 100

Boulder, CO 80301

§ Enclose one check, made out to the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra for the appropriate amount

§ Check must be written by a Chorale member, with member’s name clearly visible on it, in order to get the 20% discount

§ Include number of tickets ordering, seating area and which seats need to be together

§ Add $1 BPO surcharge per ticket for mail orders

c) In Person, at the Boulder Philharmonic box office-

no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 27^t

§ Hours are Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-noon; 1 to 4 p.m.

§ Located at the address listed above

§ No chorale discounted tickets will be available at the door on performance night

§ Add $1 surcharge per ORDER, not per ticket, for orders in person

3. Pick up your phone and mail orders at rehearsal on Tuesday, April 24th

NOTE: No discounted tickets will be available at the door on performance night. Please place your orders in advance!

Re-Gifting Opportunity

by Esri Allbritten

You don’t garden, but Aunt Helene gave you that pretty trowel set. Scented soaps give you a rash. And you’d rather claw out your eyes than watch a movie with that one guy, with the hair and the annoying voice. Help the Chorale and spring clean your house by donating new or exactly-like-new items to be auctioned off in themed baskets at the Puttin’ On the Ritz party. If you have a business that fits into a theme, you might want to promote it by providing material for an entire basket, complete with advertising information. And if you’re feeling generous and just want to buy something, we won’t say no.

Current themes for donations are as follows: breakfast-in-bed, tea, spa, gardening, movie night, dog, cat, baby, golf/sports, Asian, gourmet foods, paper crafts, books/reading, chocolate, and music. Don’t buy or make anything yet. Depending on what we get, some of these themes may disappear. Email descriptions of your possible donations to choraleritz@yahoo.com with Basket in the subject line, or call 303-449-3662. Emails are due by April 12, and we'll need the items by April 17th. Thanks in advance for anything you might provide. A big thanks to JoAn Segal and to Julie Hale’s daughters Jen and Carissa (www.sorellabaskets.com) for providing the supplies and labor in making the baskets!

For Puttin’ On the Ritz payment details/deadlines, please visit http://www.boulderchorale.org/ritz.php or click on the little “Puttin’ On the Ritz” button on the Chorale’s home page.

Calendar of Events

Tuesday Evening Rehearsals—April 3-24

Full Chorale 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Monday, April 9—Board of Directors Meeting

7:00 p.m. Atonement Lutheran Church

Please let JoAn know if you plan to attend.

Tuesday, April 24—Final Greece Payment due.

Optional Shore Excursion payments are due.

Thursday, April 26—Beethoven Dress Rehearsal

6:00-8:30 p.m.

Macky Auditorium (CU Campus, Boulder)

Friday, April 27—Beethoven Rehearsal

No chorus rehearsal is currently scheduled, BUT please hold the date!

Saturday, April 28—Beethoven Rehearsal

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Macky Auditorium (CU Campus, Boulder)

Saturday, April 28—Beethoven Concert

6:30 p.m. Call Time

7:30 p.m. Concert

Macky Auditorium (CU Campus, Boulder)

Sunday, May 6—Cocktail Dance Benefit

“Puttin’ on the Ritz” $50 per person

Boulderado Hotel

Tuesday, May 8—Annual Meeting/Potluck

Lots of business with some entertainment, too.

6:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (1318 Mapleton, Boulder)

Greece Tour Ensemble Rehearsals—Tuesdays:

May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19.

7:00-9:00 p.m.

Atonement Lutheran Church

Sunday, June 3—Tour Social/Meeting

5:00 p.m. (no rehearsal afterwards)

**Please note new date and time.

Tuesday, June 19—Bon Voyage Rehearsal

7:00-9:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (1318 Mapleton, Boulder)

Thursday, June 21—Bon Voyage Rehearsal

7:00-9:30 p.m.

Atonement Lutheran Church

Sunday, June 24—Bon Voyage Concert

3:00 p.m. Call Time

4:00 p.m. Concert

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (1318 Mapleton, Boulder)