A powerful work for the symphonic band, Ode to the Spirit of Man is based on thematic material taken from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and developed into a fantasy of kaleidoscopic nature. The opening is a joyful expression of the spirit of freedom and is based on the composer’s own themes derived from Beethoven’s music. Throughout the work, various themes from the symphony are interwoven, including Alla Marcia, Scherzo, Andante maestoso and finally the uplifting Ode to Joy. Dur: 5:15