Ode to Joy

This is a level 2 arrangement of the most famous melody from Beethoven’s 9th symphony. Students should use the fixed finger formula: p on string 3, i on string 2, and m on string 1. You should teach the two bass notes on strings 4 and 5 by rote. Every student should play each part. As always; tone, dynamics, posture and technique are critical to the success of the piece. Historical information: Written in 1785 by the German poet Friedrich Schiller, Ode an die Freude celebrates the brotherhood and unity of all mankind. Ludwig van Beethoven set the poem in the final movement of his 9th symphony. It has since become one of the most recognizable melodies in the Western world and is the basis for the official anthem of the European Union.