German poet Friedrich Schiller wrote his ODE TO JOY in 1785, and in 1824 composer Ludwig van Beethoven famously used some of it in the last movement of his Symphony #9. Today’s Beautiful Music is that final movement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony performed by Nicholas McGegan conducting the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale. You can also use the link below to read an English translation of the poem.