An die Freude

Scoring:

• Choir SATB
• Piano four hands or two Pianos
• Timpani, Triangle, Finger Cymbals
• Percussion 1: Xylophone, Claves, Vibraphone
• Percussion 2: Tom-toms, Tabor, Tenor Drum, Tubular Bells, Orchestral Bells
• Percussion 3: Sus. Cymbal, Tenor Drum, China Cymbal, Ride Cymbal,Hi-hat, Tambourine
• Percussion 4: Bass Drum, Tam-tam

In his Hommage à Beethoven, Damijan Mocnik has set Schiller’s the well-known text, which Beethoven used in his brilliant final chorus 200 years ago, a work which still represents shared joy and thanks, as well as protest.

There are just a few isolated sequences of notes in the piano or choir in this monumental work which blaze forth through the thrilling use of percussion. This game of association with Beethoven makes this musical homage especiallly exciting.

Through the varied use of percussion and the supporting piano accompaniment, this Hommage à Beethoven is particularly suitable for youth choirs who want to sing an effective work dealing with ideas of freedom in the world, without the need for too much rehearsal.