music box | Beethoven | Ode an die Freude | Ode to Joy | Great Composers series
music box | Beethoven | Ode an die Freude | Ode to Joy | Great Composers series
Ode an die Freude (Ode to Joy) is the final chorus of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (1824), composed when he was completely deaf. At the premiere, he helped conduct but could hear nothing. A soloist had to turn him round so that he could see the cheering audience. Since 1985, it has been the official anthem of the European Union. The music box mechanism is mounted on a small wooden board, giving the melody a louder and fuller sound.
Dimensions approx. 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.6 cm
Curious to hear how it sounds? Watch the video alongside the images.
