Weekend self-care open thread: Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Ode to Joy

Well, friends, this week has been suboptimal for your humble blog lord. So I will talk about my favorite of Ludwig van Beethoven's symphonies, the 9th, "The Choral", with that song to the universe, the Ode to Joy.

Whenever I feel down, whenever I feel like it's too much, I put this on. I find solace in it, especially because of that the Master was going through at the time he composed it. He was deaf. He heard the music only in his head. He conducted the premiere not being able to hear the orchestra! And when the final notes died, he had to be turned around so that he could see the audience standing and applauding in rapturous delight.

As badly as you think you have it, someone has it worse. One of the greatest musicians in human history was unable to hear his most sublime composition. It was all in his mind. And he was able to compose a work of art which will last as long as the human race does. That's nothing to sniff at.

So, my friends, here is that most sublime of pieces. Enjoy.

As always, dear friends, be ever kind, gentle, and joyful with yourselves and those around you.