Ba-Ba Ba-BOM! Beethovan's 5th in 4 Days (11.1.08)

Many years ago, when I marched over to the Registrar's Office, to turn in that last "something" in the long march for a Ph.D., and came away with a transcript that said, yes, I'd completed "everything," the first four notes of Beethovan's Fifth Symphony popped into my head.  With those notes came these words:  Everything's Done!  And as I walked across the lawn and down the hill, past buildings and across streets, those words and those notes echoed in my mind.  Just after I passed the psychology building and was crossing the street, a man with a with an arm full of red roses was walking by.  For some reason I felt moved to share my joy of that afternoon.  And he pulled one rose from his bouquet and handed it to me.  Better than a diploma was that rose from a stranger.

Today we begin 4 days of GOTV.  Four days, like four notes - like the beginning of Beethovan's Fifth.  Today is the first note.  And Tuesday is the final note - of the beginning of the Obama Symphony.  On Tuesday night we'll be able to say, about the campaign,  along with those four notes:  Everything's Done! 

Today many of us, myself included, will be going out to greet strangers.  Not with roses.  But with our simple message:  Your vote counts.  We'll be greeting supporters.  We'll share the energy and the enthusiasm with strangers.  We'll feel the unity and hope.  I for one will probably be on the verge of tears all day.  Feeling the coming of the winds of change.  Feeling the connection and solidarity with fellow supporters.  Feeling the amazement that all of us, one by one, can make a huge difference.  Each of us, note by note, contributing to the coming symphony.  Playing different roles like different instruments.  But willing to put our faith in one conductor for the next four years. 

Take time to listen to Beethovan's Fifth sometime late on Tuesday.  And feel the weight of those four notes:  Everything's Done.  But before then, work your heart out.  Because till all the i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed, we can't begin the rest of the our symphony. 

We're waiting, Barack.  Holding our breath, working our hearts out, we're waiting for the conductor to arrive at the podium.  We're waiting for the first those first, glorious four notes.  And all that follows.

PERMALINK

48 Comments

Recommend the 9th instead. 5th got used in WW II, and I never liked it that much, too martial, too much dit-dit-dit-daaah.
Then again, since we're Americans, let's imagine the 7th, which really rocks.

Posted by Tom Wright
November 1, 2008 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink

Ok. Why not all 9?

Posted by TheraP in reply to a comment from Tom Wright
November 1, 2008 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink

Agreed on both suggestions. The 7th is utterly awesome. A few moments into the beginning, these epic scalar patterns sweep their way through the orchestra, from the lowest instruments to the highest. If you squint a little (but with your ears, not your eyes--is there a good figure of speech for that?), it sounds sort of like a gigantic electronic machine is booting up. (Like the new Democratic presidency, etc.)
The Ninth! Yes! The last movement would be the perfect metaphor. "Friends, not these tones!" And then, with surprising resonance with left-wing multiculturalism, right in the middle of thigns, the Turkish march wanders in.

Posted by worthlesscitizen in reply to a comment from Tom Wright
November 1, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink

Yes! The Seventh! The "apotheosis of dance!"
Also consider the 4th Piano Concerto with that lovely pianissimo section resolving itself into glorious triumph. Serkin playing and Bruno Walter conducting. Accept no substitutes!

Posted by Lux Umbra Dei in reply to a comment from Tom Wright
November 1, 2008 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink

Ditto on the Ode to Joy, from the 9th -- maybe tainted a bit by 'Clockwork Orange', though. But whatever symphony you choose, make sure it's by BeethovEn, okay? And no Mozert for dessert.

Posted by Kenji in reply to a comment from Tom Wright
November 1, 2008 5:43 PM | Reply | Permalink

I love the 9th too. And you may all haze me for saying this, but have you ever heard the 9th on the Baby Einstein CD (Baby Beethoven)? Before I get a ration of shit, trust me. It is breathtaking.
My Tuesday playlist includes the following:
1. "One" by U2 with Mary J. Blige
2. "Get in the Ring", live version, by Guns N' Roses
And my finale...the Overture of 1812. In fact, its been playing in my head for days. By the Cincinnati Orchestra. Canons and all.
Tuesday cannot get here fast enough!!!!

Posted by libgirl in reply to a comment from Tom Wright
November 2, 2008 12:49 AM | Reply | Permalink

Why Beethoven? Go American: Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man."

Posted by hoosiertransplant
November 1, 2008 10:53 AM | Reply | Permalink

It's appropriate, but it's also kinda short. I guess you could play it over and over a few times.

Posted by worthlesscitizen in reply to a comment from hoosiertransplant
November 1, 2008 10:55 AM | Reply | Permalink

How about "Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead"? I will be one of the little munchkins dancing about.
Seriously, in my household and so many households around the country, there is going to be a quiet, indefinable feeling that a long, long, long time standing knot of injustice in American society has finally come untied. Its more than a party victory this time--this time history is being made.
Yes we can, and yes we did. At least that the prayer of millions of us now.

Posted by Lux Umbra Dei in reply to a comment from hoosiertransplant
November 1, 2008 11:06 AM | Reply | Permalink

Lux, you said it much better than I. Much better. You have a poetic soul.

Posted by TheraP in reply to a comment from Lux Umbra Dei
November 1, 2008 11:24 AM | Reply | Permalink

Oh, that is wonderful!!! It's gonna get me through the day. And the 4 days! Yes. Yes. Yes. YES!!!!!

Posted by TheraP in reply to a comment from Lux Umbra Dei
November 1, 2008 11:27 AM | Reply | Permalink

Now that was meant for leftyloosey below. (the Nodes are on strike...and the system is overloaded... and the comments are going nuts!)

Posted by TheraP in reply to a comment from TheraP
November 1, 2008 11:29 AM | Reply | Permalink

The first three days are the same -- just like the notes. Like a machine gun -- TA TA TA -- staccato. The fourth note, the climax to this bar, is election day -- DOM -- a longer note, starting on the east coast and ending at home in Hawaii.

Posted by exregis in reply to a comment from TheraP
November 1, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink

Second that, though in my house there will be raucous celebration and popping of corks. I'm compiling the playlist now.

Posted by mighty quinn in reply to a comment from Lux Umbra Dei
November 2, 2008 12:52 AM | Reply | Permalink

PS- And though I appreciate Beethoven as much as the next person, my celebration will begin with "It's been a long time since I rock and rolled..."

Posted by mighty quinn in reply to a comment from mighty quinn
November 2, 2008 12:54 AM | Reply | Permalink

If you want american music, why not go for some John Adams?
The Harmonielehre, Third movement (Meister Eckhardt). Fantastic Stuff, and I actually am thought of people rising up for Change in that movement.

Posted by kamatsu in reply to a comment from hoosiertransplant
November 2, 2008 1:48 AM | Reply | Permalink

I think that McCain's theme song can be 4'33".

Posted by BH
November 1, 2008 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink

That makes much better sense for McCain than the "Rocky" theme.

Posted by worthlesscitizen in reply to a comment from BH
November 1, 2008 11:08 AM | Reply | Permalink

What a wonderful essay TheraP!!!! MOST RECOMMENDED.
Now forgive me for shouting. In four days we will be laughing (and crying) in all probability as you forecast.

Posted by Lux Umbra Dei
November 1, 2008 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink

I look forward to the New Symphony we're creating. But those first four notes are, for me, these next four days. And I'll hear them Tuesday night when everything's done.
After that... let's create the New Symphony for a Renewed Nation. And I look forward to all the comments when I'm back this afternoon.

Posted by TheraP
November 1, 2008 11:17 AM | Reply | Permalink

How about Dvorak? New World Symphony, number 9.

Posted by kamatsu in reply to a comment from TheraP
November 2, 2008 1:50 AM | Reply | Permalink

Thera, that motif from the Fifth is saying GOTV in my head!
GOTVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV!
GOTVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV!
gotv,gotv, gotv, gotv
Ya know, the third symphony was written in praise of a hero, and that first movement is full of positive energy. Napoleon was the hero at the time, but L Van B of course changed his mind about HIM.
Funny I just bought Toscannini's album of the Brahms symphonies for comfort food. Worried a little about PA.

Posted by leftyloosey
November 1, 2008 11:19 AM | Reply | Permalink

Oh, that is wonderful!!! It's gonna get me through the day. And the 4 days!
Yes. Yes. Yes. YES!!!!!

Posted by TheraP in reply to a comment from leftyloosey
November 1, 2008 11:29 AM | Reply | Permalink

While those of us not directly involved in the ground are pondering Beethoven (Lux, I'm with you on the 7th), I bet the campaigns are more like Tchaikovsky's violin concerto with that blistering last movement. Version? Nathan Millstein.

Posted by AlaskaGrown
November 1, 2008 12:17 PM | Reply | Permalink

I love Tchaichovsky...rec'd above.

Posted by libgirl in reply to a comment from AlaskaGrown
November 2, 2008 12:53 AM | Reply | Permalink

Anticipating an Obama win on Tuesday, I'm hearing "Rhapsody in Blue" in my head.
When he wrote it, Gershwin said: "I heard it as a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America, of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our blues, our metropolitan madness...."
We've been living the adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster of Part One for the past several months:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O7qZnqflxM&feature=related
On Tuesday, when that madness may finally be over, we can indulge ourselves in the mellow confidence of Part Two!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOcuvv01nO4&feature=related

Posted by wwstaebler
November 1, 2008 12:25 PM | Reply | Permalink

O Thera- you're right, I do absolutely love this post!

Posted by HusseinTenaX
November 1, 2008 12:54 PM | Reply | Permalink

I'm allowing myself to fast forward to Tuesday night once a day. The reasoning is that it's liable to be so overwhelming, it might help to start those tears of joy a little ahead. I have the 4th and 5th off and sincerely doubt my feet will be on the ground by the 6th. It took three days after the nomination was done in June.
No, I'm not superstitious. More to the point, as someone who has watched the corruption of the GOP and the voting process for 2 decades, I am not as worried as I expected about this one being stolen. There is so much more awareness of the problems, so many people prepared to be sure they are registered, that they have the right ID, place to vote, are voting early and waiting in lines that are up to 9 hours long. Not to mention the millions of us who will be/are involved in GOTV.
I fully expect the music to break out Tuesday night. My preference is for everything we can dance and sing to.
A glorious noise all over the world.

Posted by Ginny in CO
November 1, 2008 2:56 PM | Reply | Permalink

The movie version of "The Longest Day" uses those first four notes of the Fifth as a motif. Dot-dot-dot-dash -- fate in the balance.
I don't mean to compare this election with D-Day and the liberation of France, but it has been a long 8 years. And Tuesday will be a long day of waiting until the results start coming in.

Posted by Ann Arbor
November 1, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink

Oh, and I forgot the best part -- dot dot dot dash is Morse code for V, as in victory.

Posted by Ann Arbor in reply to a comment from Ann Arbor
November 2, 2008 10:36 AM | Reply | Permalink

Jimi Hendrix' "Straight Ahead."

Posted by Tom Wright
November 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink

Appropriate to mention here that Obama narrated Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" with our orchestra the summer after he began his Senate term.
Nice synchronicity.

Posted by Tom Wright
November 1, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink

I think it might be worth listening to before GOTV efforts...

Posted by Elliottness in reply to a comment from Tom Wright
November 2, 2008 1:02 AM | Reply | Permalink

TheraP: Here's a catchy tune as well. (My cousins in Galway sent this to me).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EADUQWKoVek

Posted by KateO
November 1, 2008 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink

Kate O:
Fabulous "....There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama.... Thanks.

Posted by wwstaebler in reply to a comment from KateO
November 1, 2008 9:17 PM | Reply | Permalink

Sláinte!!

Posted by KateO in reply to a comment from wwstaebler
November 1, 2008 11:30 PM | Reply | Permalink

I've known for many years that Beethoven's Symphony in C minor has this martial aspect that many people associate with a victorious campaign. For a couple-two-three reasons that ought to be as obvious as Obama's Cool demeanor—maybe even the nose on his face?—something more in alignment with the nominee's cultural background comes to mind. There's Aretha Franklin's glorious "Oh Mary Don't You Weep":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqEFLUKnB18
. . .evoking the revived Lazurus "Walkin' like a natural man---OH Yes he Did, Oh yes he Did!!!", like our nation pulling out of its collective coma.
And of course, this incredible work by will.i.am:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY
Yes We Can!

Posted by Robin Landseadel
November 1, 2008 7:00 PM | Reply | Permalink

why can we not get "Yes We Can" anywhere? You can only watch it on Youtube. It's not available for purchase on itunes or on CD. When will that change?

Posted by libgirl in reply to a comment from Robin Landseadel
November 2, 2008 12:58 AM | Reply | Permalink

Can you feel a brand new day!!!!
This song absolutely captures the moment. Wow I get chills and start singing out loud, dancing in my chair. :)

Posted by mageduley
November 1, 2008 7:06 PM | Reply | Permalink

tuesday night: finale from Carmina Burana
new year's eve: entire New World Symphony
january 20th: Ode to Joy

Posted by John Crandell
November 1, 2008 8:56 PM | Reply | Permalink

Carmina Burana? Puh-leaase.
Something more uplifting.
John Adams Harmonielehre.

Posted by kamatsu in reply to a comment from John Crandell
November 2, 2008 1:54 AM | Reply | Permalink

Well, there's always one: a pisspot in an otherwise bowl of fun.

Posted by John Crandell in reply to a comment from kamatsu
November 2, 2008 6:37 AM | Reply | Permalink

Lovely!

Posted by astral66
November 1, 2008 9:46 PM | Reply | Permalink

This was lovely to come home to. And all the music for now and into the future.
Peace to all. Yes. We. Can.

Posted by TheraP
November 1, 2008 10:06 PM | Reply | Permalink

Thera...
If I weren't so tired tonight, I'd write a more poetic note of gratitude to you. Suffice it to say that music is the salve to my abraded soul after this vitriolic campaign.
And a musical sound that would please me greatly is Barack Obama's sonorous baritone voice uttering the words "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
4AKW
BA Music
Manchester College 1976

Posted by 4akinderworld
November 1, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink

No matter what the music I'm going to be doing a major happy dance!
I posted this a few weeks ago, and it still stands as the music/dancing that best shows how I feel when I think of an Obama presidency:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

Posted by stillidealistic
November 2, 2008 12:57 AM | Reply | Permalink

Listening to Lincoln portrait, I realise how similar Obama and Lincoln are...

Posted by kamatsu
November 2, 2008 1:58 AM | Reply | Permalink

TheraP - This is the best post I've ever read on TPM. It gave me a sense of peace as I get ready for another day of GOTV. I'll be thinking about what you wrote all day.
On election night we plan to watch the results on the web and listen to music...until Obama's victory speech in Grant Park.
Thank you.

Posted by lisast
November 2, 2008 5:40 AM | Reply | Permalink