My “power” playlist starts with Copland’s Appalachian Spring, from there to the Moldau by Smetana, then the Rach 5, continues with Orff’s Carmina Burana and ends with Beethoven’s Ninth. Sometimes I like the Rach 5 after Carmina Burana, sometimes I throw in a Brandenburg or two early on just to settle my nerves. But that sequence of music can take me from quaking vulnerable waif to empress.
So last night, when I heard the words I’d been waiting for for eight years–“I accept the nomination”–my heart skipped a beat and in my head I swear I heard the opening notes of the 9th. And as the reality washed over me–in such a surprisingly emotional way–my ear moved directly to the extraordinary fourth movement. And as the less-than-polished speech continued, I sang it to myself, first in Schiller’s German and then in the English translation I did several years ago in honor of the founding of Mother Grove Goddess Temple.
This election season has already been far too long for most of us and there are still months to go. There’s going to be boatloads of misogyny, of shaming, of bullying. But there are also going to be moments of unremitting joy and something that may feel like triumph.
For both those extremes, I offer that little translation of that extraordinary work, the finale of what I believe to be the most perfect piece of music in the world. You know the tune, hum along with me, if you please.
Ancient Goddess Joy,
We greet Thee,
Daughter of Elysium!
Wild we dance into Your temple
Drunk with fire and love for Thee.
Deepest magic binds together
What the times would tear apart.
Hand in hand, we all are kindred
In the glory of Your heart.
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