I first discovered Beethoven thanks to Charles Shultz and Peanuts. The character Shroeder, the kid who played the piano told Lucy the story of how Beethoven composed this piece after he had lost his hearing. He premiered Ode to Joy and had no idea the audience was on their feet and thunderously applauding as he was deaf. A member of the orchestra gently turned Beethoven around so he could see the reaction. That story always broke my heart yet made me so happy at the same time. Still does. There’s no other song like Ode to Joy. It’s perfect. And wonderful, especially at Christmas. Here’s Beethoven’s Ode to Joy for Sunday Jams. The full version. Anything less would be a crime.