“Books are like seeds. They can lie dormant for centuries and then flower in the most unpromising soil.” (Carl Sagan); “Nothing ever dies on the Internet.” (anon.); “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” (Madison Ave. [m]adman). My posts amalgamate these three philosophical elements into one novel experience; they champion critical thinking, human dignity / equality, levelheaded / even-handed / liberty-based governance and solid environmental stewardship. C’mon in!
While auditioning blogworthy clips at YouTube in the waning days of December ’17, I suddenly wondered if any recording artist had ever considered a mash up of Ode to Joy and Joy to the World. No sooner had I keyed in those search parameters when i discovered, indeed, The Piano Guys had posted such a performance… one that is so… so… so…
Well… let’s just say words don’t do justice to what we’re about to view. This being my third posting of this video, it has now, officially, become my blog site’s Christmas tradition. What better way to say, “Merry Christmas” to all celebrants who are paying me a visit? Even if you’re not into Christianity, I know you’ll still find Ode to Joy to the World totally enjoyable!
It was at this same time last year that I found myself wondering if anyone within our vast world had ever thought about performing a musical mash-up of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and George Frideric Handel’s Christmas carol Joy to the World?
Back then, I instantly realized the “A” to my “Q” actually existed… just mere clicks and typed in search parameters away over @YouTube where one’s wish is (almost always) their command. Indeed, The Piano Guys had performed my sought after musical medley to which this post’s lead video will… beyond a shadow of a doubt… attest.
Well… I did wind up featuring this extraordinary, uplifting Piano Guys performance last December and since my replaying it this early a.m. has not lessened, one iota, the welled up tears of joy in my eyes, I’ve decided to play it again in this post… in fact to transform their rendition of Ode To Joy To The World into this blog site’s tradition.
Since not many WordPress residents and visitors are all that familiar with me… well… to introduce myself and familiarize yourself with my POV… let’s just say that as a harsh critic of narcissistic and capricious leadership… which isn’t leadership at all… I do find it my constant struggle to see our world from a “glass half full” perspective.
That said… there is compelling evidence to refute such skepticism. Indeed, once more, humanity has squeaked on by to survive another year… to add yet another chapter to our human story. And that, in itself, is no minor miracle. Our getting another opportunity to “get it right” is also reason enough for us to express our shared feelings of gratitude and joyousness.
Alas… long sigh… if only finding peace of mind and establishing world peace were mere clicks and typed in search parameters away.
Perhaps this concluding video provides us a clue? Yeah… I think so.
You see… it all begins with good intent, a song in one’s head / heart and resolve… that person stepping forward and then another and another… until it all coalesces / snowballs into a flash mob.
Flashmob Flash Mob ~ Ode an die Freude (Ode to Joy) Beethoven Symphony No. 9
However you choose to celebrate the December holidays… and even if you harbor a more secular view causing you to opt out from such festivities… my wish is for our peaceful coexistence. If we can manage to accomplish this, the joy will flow outward quite naturally to reach all corners of our world.
So glad you’ve been able to safely and sanely survive the holiday rush and, yet, find some time to spend here for our holiday get-together.
Giving credit where credit is due, my thanks to Elvis Costello because a portion of one of his song titles inspired my blog title. My undying thanks and mega-kudos to all the YouTube recording artists, videograhphers and contributors who have cast their creative, brilliance upon my Holiday BlogCast. Obviously, my show could not glow without YOU!
Since this DJ’s philosophy is to let the music speak for itself, we’ll get to the music shortly. However, I could not resist briefly sharing with you the backstory of this program’s grand finale track.
While performing my musical reconnaissance over @ YouTube, I thought to myself…
Gee… I sure wish someone would do a mash up of Joy To The World with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ode To Joy…
Well… what did I have to lose? I typed in those search parameters and… Lo and Behold… a passing thought of mine materialized right before my very ears and eyes. The Magic of the Season! My Christmas wish came true!
May the Magic of the Season and your Christmas / Holiday wishes come true, too! And may my song selections be music to your ears.
The two sides to a long distance relationship…
The Carpenters ~ Merry Christmas Darling
Al Martino ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Our heartfelt pleas for harmony, tolerance and peace…
Bryan Adams ~ Christmas Time
Josh Groban ~ Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Our Ode To Joy / Joy To The World best wishes…
The Florin Street Band ~ My Favourite Time of Year
The Piano Guys ~ Ode To Joy To The World (With Choir & Bell Ringers)
I thank you for your listenership and cordially invite you to check out the remainder of my Top 20 Countdown “2” Christmas… where I’ll be presenting select holiday classics… one-a-day… from now until we reach #1 on the 25th. I’ll be posting later today and, of course, tomorrow.
You’re also cordially invited to click back here for my regular monthly BlogCast… one that typically features anywhere from 3 to 5 songs that, when segued, transform everything into an appealing theme… this program slated to hit the www “airwaves” on Monday, January 1, 2018.
Till next time…
I wish you all the best life has to offer throughout the holidays…
and in all the years to come!
FYI, my past musical presentations are archived within my BlogCast and music categories.
If you’ve enjoyed this post, don’t forget to like, follow, share and comment.
CommonSenseTom 