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Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 turns 200 on May 7, 2024. The deaf, disheveled, irascible but beloved composer’s revolutionary work took the world by storm and went on to be widely viewed as the pinnacle of Western classical music. Musicologist Ted Olson explains why the composition was groundbreaking and what made it so broadly accessible.
Beethoven’s message of universal brotherhood has stood the test of time, exemplified by the European Union adopting the symphony’s signature “Ode to Joy” melody as its anthem. “The aspiration of Beethoven’s ‘goodwill’ symphony continues to inspire a vision of a united humanity,” Olson writes.
This week we also liked articles about Japan’s charm offensive, the toll taken by cyber warfare between Israel and Hamas, and why it’s not far-fetched to believe that someday you may take a ride in an air taxi.
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Symphony No. 9 was the pinnacle of Beethoven’s remarkable career.
Boston Public Library/Flickr
Ted Olson, East Tennessee State University
It stands as the crowning achievement of Western classical music.
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In an increasingly digital world, children still enjoy the sensory power of being able to touch the books they read.
Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images
Naomi S. Baron, American University
When asked, students say that touch is important in developing reading and writing skills. Research backs them up.
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Joby Aviation tests its electric air taxi in Manhattan.
Courtesy of Joby Aviation
Jamey Jacob, Oklahoma State University
These electric aircraft take off and land vertically so they don’t need runways. And they promise a quieter, more accessible and less polluting form of short-distance air travel than helicopters.
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Ryan Shandler, Georgia Institute of Technology; Daphna Canetti, University of Haifa; Tal Mimran, Zefat Academic College
The consequences of cyber conflict are primarily felt by civilians, who call for retaliation, fueling cycles of violence.
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Mary M. McCarthy, Drake University
Meetings with Joe Biden and Donald Trump suggest Japan is hedging over the outcome of the US election.
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Karen Jacobsen, Tufts University
People who enter the US as refugees or with asylum generally adapt quickly and become productive members of society. But cities need help getting them settled and employed.
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