Ode to Joy

A good piece of music reflects the soul, but a great piece of music captures its essence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OxuRYTaPys&p=A4B9408556C2DE2C&playnext=1&index=12

Symphony No. 9 "Ode to Joy"--adapted from a poem by the great early German Romantic writer Friedrich Schiller--is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of mankind--a lyrical tour de force of gorgeous, hauntingly ethereal melody which represents a pinnacle in human creativity. Brilliantly outshining some of man's shadowy mistakes and errors, this piece is evidence that greatness is achieveable; that human potentiality is limitless; that, through our minds and abilities, we can unlock amazing ideas.

I remember first hearing this in fifth grade in an elementary music class, and I was simply left awestruck. For me, it's a celebration of all things beautiful in the world, the exclamation point at the end of life's marvelous sentence.