Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op.125 was Beethoven’s 9th and final complete symphony. This classic music masterpiece, written when Beethoven was completely deaf, is perhaps the most famous symphonic work ever written. It also marks a milestone in musical history as the first symphony to incorporate voices within the work.
For the symphony, Beethoven set Friedrich Schiller’s poem Ode to Joy, which was written in 1785. In 1907, Henry van Dyke adapted the ninth symphony theme to write, Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, one of the classic hymn tunes of the 20th century. These lyrics, first published in the Presbyterian Hymnal of 1911 are included below.
Free Sheet Music for Ode to Joy
Ode to Joy for Beginner Piano
Ode to Joy for Intermediate Piano
Ode to Joy for Flute Solo
Ode to Joy for Clarinet Solo
Ode to Joy for Trumpet Solo
Ode to Joy for Violin Solo
Ode to Joy for Guitar Solo
Lyrics/ Henry van Dyke (1907)
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.
