Music library › Hymns and carols
Ludwig van Beethoven (tune “Hymn to Joy”), 1824 (words 1907). Complete melody, written out for reading practice.
The melody is the famous theme from the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, first performed in Vienna in 1824, where it sets Schiller’s poem “An die Freude” (Ode to Joy). Arranged as a hymn tune and usually called “Hymn to Joy”, it was given new English words by the American writer Henry van Dyke in 1907.
It is in D major, so every F and C is sharp. Almost the whole tune moves by step, which makes it one of the best first pieces for reading: you can follow the shape of the line instead of naming every note.
The first verse is printed under the notes and lights up as the music plays. Words by Henry van Dyke, in the public domain.
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, Opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!
Read the piece through once without playing, naming the starting note and looking for patterns and repeats. Then press Play and follow the notes as they light up. When you are ready, choose Practice this piece: it opens in the practice tool, where you can slow it down, play along on the on-screen piano, a MIDI keyboard or your voice, and have every note checked.