Might as well start with a biggie, huh?
Even I know this one is major. You know how I know? Cause I go to church. And from time to time we sing Ode to Joy. My dad always complained growing up that he hated that particular hymn because the words ruin the music, and make the joyous symphony worse.
I always thought he was a little weird, but after listening to this for the past two days, I think I get it. It is remarkable.
Here is the pertinent info:
I'm not sure I can put into words how beautiful this entire symphony is. I had it cranked up in my car yesterday afternoon driving home from Norfolk, and had tears in my eyes for half the ride. What an amazing work.
My favorite part happens to be in the middle of it, when the choir begins to sing. The first time I heard it, I actually giggled a little to myself because I had an image of a large, mustached German man singing to me whilst drinking heavily.
(what, too much transparency too soon?)
But the more I listen to it, the more it moves me. And when the other voices join in? Nothing short of amazing. This recording I have happens to be by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and they do a fabulous job. Ode to Joy is apt, as I can not listen to this without a smile on my face. It is moving, powerful and beautiful.
In fact, my four year old loved it. She was sick today, and I went out to grab some medicine for her, and took this CD with me. We listened to this track in advance of me writing this piece, and I heard her singing along in the back seat with the vocalists. And no, she does not speak German, she was singing her own little made up words. The epitome of cuteness, really.
So, I started with an easy one. I loved it. Tricky, huh? I will find something not so well known and post on that soon.
Those who have heard it, thoughts?
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