“Ode to Joy“ is an ode (poem) written in the summer of 1785 by German poet, playwright, and historian Friedrich Schiller….and published the following year in Thalia. A slightly revised version appeared in 1808, changing two lines of the first and omitting the last stanza.
“Ode to Joy” is best known for its use by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final (fourth) movement of his Ninth Symphony….which was completed in 1824….as Beethoven’s text is not based entirely on Schiller’s poem….while it also introduces a few new sections. His music but not Schiller’s words….was adopted as the “Anthem of Europe” by the Council of Europe in 1972….and subsequently by the European Union.
It has long been our opinion here at ImaSportsphile…..that when great music is combined in interwoven with great video. photos or film…..it makes for a really rare piece of footage….and amplifies the visual experience….as seen in this video herewith…..where ABC Sports combines Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy” with highlights of the Lake Placid Winter Games….as seen through the eyes of ABC’s cameras throughout the Games….and provides us with another “nugget of gold” in our treasure chest of vintage memories.