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Ode to Joy

Ludwig van Beethoven · Key of C major · 4/4 · ♩ = 96

Ode to Joy is the tune from the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (1824), now the anthem of the European Union. It moves almost entirely by step, which makes it a great first reading piece. Pianory’s version is 16 bars in C position, with the hands taking turns phrase by phrase.

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What makes it tricky

Two spots trip people up: the dotted rhythm at the end of a phrase (a dotted quarter, then an eighth) and passing the tune to the left hand without a gap. All five fingers are used, so set the hand in C position before you start.

How to practice it

  1. Count "1, 2, 3, 4" out loud and clap the first phrase, especially the dotted rhythm at its end.
  2. Practice each hand alone at 50%. Right thumb on middle C, left hand in C position an octave lower.
  3. Put the hands together at 75% and drill the hand-offs until it sounds like one voice singing.