Postlude on Ode to Joy

Postlude on Ode to Joy

Ode to Joy was originally a poem written in 1785 by the German poet Friedrich Schiller. In 1824 Ludwig van Beethoven set the poem to music in the 4th movement of his Symphony No. 9. The melody to which the lyrics are sung has also become known as “Ode to Joy.” In 1907 Henry van Dyke’s poem “The Hymn of Joy” was set to Beethoven’s melody and it became a beloved hymn of the church.
This postlude was written by me over 20 years ago, and the instrument is a Viscount Organ made in Italy, the Cantorum Duo Plus model.

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before You,
Op'ning 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!