Leonard Bernstein performs Beethoven's Ode to Joy
Uploaded by: ernestalba
Video Description:
Leonard Bernstein with the Vienna Philharmonic performs Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Notice how dramatic his conducting is; it's pretty funny. Because of Youtube limitations, I split this piece up into 3 sections. This is Part 1/3. I highly recommend sticking around for the choral reprise of the first verse in Part 2/3 and the prestissimo finale in Part 3/3.
Soloists are Gwyneth Jones, Shirley Verrett, Placido Domingo, and Martti Talvela. This first video clip is divided into the following sections: 0:00-3:36 Bernstein's introduction 1:27-2:15 The Ode to Joy played solemnly by Cello and Contrabass 2:15-3:04 A lighter, sweeter variation now including
Viola and Bassoon 3:04-3:51 Larger, more expressive second variation with addition of 1st and 2nd Violins 3:52-4:38 Triumphant and majestic third variation utilizing entire orchestra. Instruments added: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, contrabassoon, cornet, trombone, and timpani 4:39-5:31 Dizzying flight of
passion including the brief introduction of a blithe tune that is almost immediately interrupted by a thunderous cadence 5:33-6:30 The bass introduces the chorus to the audience 6:30-9:17 The Ode to Joy theme is now replayed with the significant inclusion of the chorus singing Schiller's poem. Ge
rman words and English translation: Baritone Solo: O Freunde, nicht diese Töne! Oh friends, not these sounds! Sondern lasst uns angenehmere Rather let us sing more anstimmen und freudenvollere. pleasant ones, and more full of joy. Choral Bass join in: Freude! Freude! Joy! Joy! Baritone Solo: Fre
ude, schöner Götterfunken Joy, beautueous spark of divinity, Tochter aus Elysium, Daughter of Elysium Wir betreten feuertrunken, We enter drunk with fire Himmlische, dein Heiligtum! Heavenly One, your sanctuary! Deine Zauber binden wieder Thy magic power reunites, Was die Mode streng geteilt; All
that custom has strictly divided Alle menschen werden Brüder, All men become brothers Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt. Where your gentle wing abides. Chorus sans Soprano: Deine Zauber binden wieder Thy magic power reunites, Was die Mode streng geteilt; All that custom has strictly divided Alle mensc
hen werden Brüder, All men become brothers Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt. Where your gentle wing abides. Solo Alto, Tenor, and Baritone sans Soprano: Wem der grosse Wurf gelungen, Whoever has been so fortunate, Eines Freundes Freund zu sein; To be the friend of a friend Solo Soprano enters, Alto,
Tenor, and Baritone continue: Wer ein holdes Weib errungen, He who has obtained a dear wife, Mische seinen Jubel ein! Add his jubilation! Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele Yes, whoever also one soul Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund! Can call his own in the earthly round! Und wer's nie gekonnt, der stehle An
d who never could, he should steal Weinend sich aus diesem Bund! Weeping from this fellowship! All Chorus responds (Bass one beat ahead): Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele Yes, whoever also one soul Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund! Can call his own in the earthly round! Und wer's nie gekonnt, der stehle An
d who never could, he should steal Weinend sich aus diesem Bund! Weeping from this fellowship! Tenor and Baritone: Freude trinken alle Wesen All beings drink joy An den Brüsten der Natur; At the breasts of Nature; Alto enters: Alle Guten, alle Bösen All things good, all things evil Folgen ihrer R
osenspur. Follow her rosy trail. Soprano enters: Küsse gab sie uns und Reben, Kisses gave she us and wine, Einen Freund, geprüft im Tod; A friend, proven even in death; Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben, Ecstasy is granted even to the worm Und der Cherub steht vor Gott. And the cherub stands before G
od All Chorus responds: Küsse gab sie uns und Reben, Kisses gave she us and wine, Einen Freund, geprüft im Tod; A friend, proven even in death; Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben, Ecstasy is granted even to the worm Und der Cherub steht vor Gott. And the cherub stands before God Und der Cherub steht
vor Gott. And the cherub stands before God (Alto a beat ahead) steht vor Gott. vor Gott. vor Gott.
Tags for this video: beethoven bernstein choral classical domingo joy leonard ninth ode placido symphony Vienna
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Also see the film 'Immortal Beloved'. Musical director was George Sholti. The screenplay is probably not historically accurate, but the combinationation of imagery, music and narrative make it totally memorable.
I look forward to meeting Beethoven in Elisium!