CLEVELAND, Ohio – Few melodies in the classical canon hold as much name recognition as Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” The beloved tune, set to the words of German poet Friedrich Schiller, comes from the composer’s Symphony No. 9 — a revolutionary piece both in its form and in its celebration of the indomitable human spirit.

The desire to witness such joyful music making in person is undoubtedly what drove a large audience to Mandel Hall at Severance Music Center on Thursday, Oct. 23. And it’s safe to say that the Cleveland Orchestra, Chorus and soloists did not disappoint.

Conductor Franz Welser-Möst and the musicians warmed up the crowd with Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ symphonic tone poem Tapiola, a lush and tranquil 20-minute work that captures the spirit of Finland’s wilds. Languid chr

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