Explain Something Essay
For this week, we had to do 2-3 pages (single spaced, ew) of explaining something we know well. And we had to do it like our audience was familiar (friend, family, coworker, whatever) and receptive to what we had to say. Me being me, I wrote about Beethoven's Ninth. ;)
I can’t believe you’ve never sat and listened to the Ode to Joy before. You’re in for a real treat, let me tell you. There was nothing like it before it came along and there hasn’t been anything like it since.
First, there’s the music itself. The first three movements are fine, sure. The second one is the best of the first three. A lot of people say it’s like the music is walking in that one. In a way, I suppose they’re right. It’s very lively, and the same melodies are played in an ambling progression. If you ask me though, I think it sounds more like a pirate song. Check it out some time and tell me you don’t hear it too.
Anyway, back to the Ode. It’s the part. No question. It grabs your attention right away, with this great cacophony of brass and strings. That’s just to get you to perk up though, so you’ll pay attention to the next bit. Then the cellos and basses really take over, and things get real quiet. At first, it sounds kind of ominous, but then the string section starts feeling things out, playing with the music. There’s a bit more of that pirate music we talked about, just so you remember that what you’re listening to now, as amazing as it’s going to be, is still part of one much larger piece, part of a bigger picture.
That stops pretty quickly though, because, for the moment, this fourth movement dominates. The music finally starts to come into its own and those famous notes make their first appearance: e, e, f, g, g, f, e, d, c, c, d, e, e, d, d. They’re simple enough for a beginner to play on the piano, but I think that you know how important those notes are even today, to so many people around the world.
There’s a little more horsing around with the melody, but then you’ll be able to tell that the music’s righted itself. Those notes are going to be sticking around now. You still need to keep an eager ear though, because the music’s gonna drop down so low you’re gonna have to strain to hear it.
Now it’s time to buckle up, because the ride’s finally getting started. That same sequence is going to repeat, again and again, louder and louder, until it’s lured you in and you’ve become a part of it. There’s no going back.
You’re going to want to jump up out of your seat when that next triumphant burst comes along, but make sure that you don’t. There will be ample time for that later. You’re only five minutes into this thing. It’s not finished with you yet.
Next it’s going to tease you a little bit. It’ll be quiet, and then loud, and then soft again, when all of a sudden there’s that same crash you heard at the beginning. Relax. It’s only messing with you. The music is still fighting onward. There’s even going to be singing now.
First up is the tenor. He’s singing in German, obviously, but don’t worry about that. If he does his job right, you’ll get the message anyway. Just listen.
The music’s going to start to accompany him after a moment, with those notes that you’re starting to know so well. Then, he’s going to do you one better and actually put lyrics to the music. Here, I’ll do you a favor and translate:
Joy thou source of Light immortal,
Daughter of Elysium,
Touched with fire to the portal
Of thy radiant shrine we come.
Thy pure magic frees all others
Held in Custom’s rigid rings.
Men throughout the world are brothers
In the haven of thy wings.
That’s a nice thought, isn’t it?
Now the rest of the chorus is going to start to wake up. The rest of the tenors and the basses jump in and sing along first. They repeat what the first man has sung, and then they all start a new riff before the sopranos and altos join in. You’re not going to be able to tell if they’re all singing along with the music, or if the music is just following their lead. That’s okay though. All you need to know is that the music and the words are about happiness. You can take whatever you like from that.
For a moment, you may be overwhelmed by all of those voices coming at you all at once. It’s getting to be too much, you think. The force behind all of it is too strong. Not to worry; the music is feeling the same way. It’s going to pull back. You thought that the second movement was walking? This next bit is going to be running. The music’s retreating, and this train’s going to feel like it’s going off the rails.
It will right itself. You’re at the halfway mark now. The best part is only moments away.
After all of the running, there’s this one last moment of hesitation. The music is quiet and unsure of itself.
And then, it says, “Oh, what the hell!” and the chorus explodes.
Those words from before hit you like a massive wave and there’s nothing you or anyone else can do to stop it anymore.
Now would be the time to jump up out of your seat.
Believe it or not, there’s only ten minutes left for this thing to wrap itself up. The chorus is going to take a bit of a breather and take things slowly for just a bit. You’ll need this break too, after everything you’ve just been through.
Don’t get too comfortable though. The chorus is just setting you up. You’re going to get the same slow swelling of sound from earlier; just bigger and better. You’re going to be wowed one last time.
The singers are piano, but intense.
They’re drawing you in for the big finale.
Just when you think you can’t take it anymore-you’re going to chew your lip off, tear your hair out, wring your hands until your fingers snap-they get you.
They sweep you right up again and engulf you in a riotous sound. This music is so much bigger than you or even any of those singers. It’s global. It’s as old as the hills. Older. It’s moved millions to be or to do something better. To be amazing. You think that it can’t possibly get any better than this. This sound. These singers. Those notes. Those words.
And then it’s over.
It’s over and you’re left wondering what just happened and if maybe it’s too soon to hit the “replay” button.
You hope it isn’t.