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,
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.