Thanks to Ben Zander and the outstanding Lotusphere 2009 program, I have increased the amount of classical music on my iPod. This is the latest addition, which includes "Ode to Joy," which we sung during the Closing General Session, in phonetic German.
Wikipedia says that "Ode to Joy" "...celebrates the ideal of unity and brotherhood of all mankind. " Further,
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 plays a prominent cultural role in the world today. In particular, the music from the fourth movement (Ode to Joy) was rearranged by Herbert von Karajan into what is now called the Anthem of Europe. Further testament to its prominence is that an original manuscript of this work sold in 2003 for $3.3 million USD at Sotheby's, London. Stephen Roe, the head of Sotheby's manuscripts department, described the symphony as "one of the highest achievements of man, ranking alongside Shakespeare's Hamlet and King Lear."
It is simply wonderful.
Thanks, vowe,
Comment posted by Garrett Wolthuis03/30/2009 03:17:43 PM
Yup, I've also increased my classical music listening because of Ben Zander. Strangely enough, I still haven't read his book even though it's right on my nightstand. I did keep the yellow piece of paper he autographed though. It's hanging on my corkboard in my office so every day I am reminded of his speech.
Comment posted by Kathy Brown03/30/2009 10:18:49 PM
Homepage: http://kathysrunningnotes.blogspot.com
Anything in particular you'd recommend? I'm looking for new music. And was touched by Ben Zander's closing. I'd love some classical music recommendations, as it isn't something I generally listen to.
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred03/30/2009 11:02:01 PM
Homepage: http://www.ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
@Kathy: If you have an iTunes account, I strongly recommend iTunes Essentials Classical 101. It has 25 classical songs that will you may know and whet your appetite for more. Because of it, I have added several Beethoven symphonies (#5 and #9), Yo-yo Ma, and a couple of others.
@Garrett: You really have to read that book. While you will remember a lot of the stories that Ben told us, it means a lot more in the context of the book and your life. Highly recommended.
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