10. Joyful, joyful we adore Thee
Henry van Dyke, 1852-1933
A nature hymn of the first order, written by one who himself had a profound appreciation and love of the out-of-doors. The words from beginning to end are an expression of the beauty in nature and the resulting joy and spirit of praise it brings to the worshipper. The hymn was written in 1907 while the author was on a preaching visit to Williams College; it was designated to be sung to the “Hymn to Joy” in the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The words fit the music perfectly. It is one of the most joyful hymns in the English language.
Henry van Dyke was born in Germantown, Pa.; received his education in Princeton University and Theological Seminary; and began his work as pastor of the United Congregational Church in Newport, R. I. After four years he was called to the pulpit of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York where he became a widely known figure. In 1900 he was called to the chair of English Literature in Princeton. He was a friend of President Woodrow Wilson who appointed van Dyke as minister to the Netherlands and Luxemburg, which post he held from 1913 to 1917. He is the author of many books, including the beautiful story entitled, The Other Wise Man.
MUSIC. HYMN TO JOY is a hymn tune arrangement from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, probably the greatest symphony ever penned, even though the composer was stone-deaf when he wrote it.
Ludwig von Beethoven was born at Bonn, Germany, in 1770 and died in Vienna in 1827. During his tempestuous life, he composed many compositions for piano, violin, orchestra, and string quartet. His nine symphonies are on the repertoire of all the great modern symphony orchestras.