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! The 9th symphony Beethoven composed was one of the most known, and

one of his masterpieces which displays his innovative writing at its best. Most

people can recognize the piece, and even the common listener can see that its a

masterpiece. However, when analyzed on a deeper thematic level, Brotherhood

is the main overtone to this symphony.!

! The theme spells out the meaning of Brotherhood, which is empathy, and

bonding with your fellow man. Brother being a loose term in which all forms of

people are equal; transcending sex, creed, or any other difference, whether its a

cultural, geographical, or any other difference. This to me is Beethoven

composing his inner most self into music that beautifully reveals his true feelings

of love, empathy, and how brotherhood is the key to salvation and true

happiness. !

! Lyrics are sung towards the end after building up to the right intensity.

Beethoven takes the text used in the final movement from Friedrich Schiller's

poem Ode to Joy. This poem is a drinking song about brotherhoodwhich i have !

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! a theory of an even deeper concept which Beethoven is also trying to

convey which is, beer, bros and good times are all that is needed to a more

peaceful, and unified life. What a bro.!

! This ode come from Ancient Greece, so its been around for a long time. Its

structure consists of three sections: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode.

In Schiller's poem he breaks down each section into 3 verses, then 3 chorus.

Beethoven utilizes the first and third stanzas, as well as adding more to fit with

the symphony. !

! This was a great piece of music. It was easier to research the origins of

inspiration and allowed me to see the theme very clearly and appreciate the

symphony as a grand finale of a genius, and an incredibly positive message left

by a misunderstood man whose intentions were always pure.

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