Many thanks to my generous friend Joe, who sent me the copy of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony that I’m listening to now. For various reasons it’s been a difficult day, and I needed the power of a truly great piece of music to help me tonight. This version was conducted by Christopher Hogwood, featuring the London Symphony Chorus and the Academy of Ancient Music playing authentic instruments. It’s somewhat faster paced than the versions I’ve heard before, but it is grand beyond words.