d Andante moderato. Both themes are of unsurpassed beauty. There is no link musically between the themes. Indeed it seems that contrast serves an important function in the movement as also seen in the two dramatic fanfares hear towards the end.The finally movement and my favorite of the four movements, Beethoven lets the cellos and basses 'talk' in a gruff recitative that passes judgment on the themes of the first three movements. The recitative then halts and slowly, out of this darkness, the 'joy' theme is heard. As the theme commences, the other instruments of the orchestra become involved and the theme is evolved into its ideal instrumental form. But what does Beethoven do here? He stops the whole show. Then, with the aid of Schiller, the true musical revelation is finally made This first verse, sung in D major, Allegro Assai, is then repeated by the male chorus. With the second verse the other soloists (tenor, mezzo-soprano, soprano) become involved, and the verse is again repeated, sung now by the whole chorus. With the third verse, the 'joy' theme has a slightly more urgent flavor, again sung by the four soloists then repeated by the chorus. The chorus repeats the last line once more with emphasis placed on each word until a dramatic climax is reached with the word "God!"I really enjoyed the experience of hearing one of the greatest symphonies composed. I felt the The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and Southwestern Seminary Oratorio Chorus did an excellent job performing Beethovens work. I enjoyed the vast amount of woodwinds, brass, strings, and drums that were used. It seemed to be an unusually large orchestra and a beautiful choral. I have been to several symphonies, but this was this first time I knew what I was listening to and what to listen for. It greatly enhanced the experience. The next time I go to a symphony I will do my research before I go so I will understand it better. And be able to truly understand ...
