Ode to Joy

Some things are invisible,
I’ve never seen a song,
yet I can hear the music
and feel the wind so strong.

I worship God invisible
Jesus in His name,
I live my life to know Him more
for that is why He came.

As I behold His beauty
and hear and heed His word,
I’m changed to be more like Him,
‘though the world may cry “absurd.”

Beyond my expectations,
past my comprehending mind,
the beauty of my Savior,
as I seek Him, I do find

Blazing eyes of fire
burning with a love,
that is seeking me, a sinner,
to join Him up above.

I cannot see the music,
yet He’s making music of my soul,
a reflection of His burning love,
a sinner now made whole.

The first nine notes of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy…

This is a sculpture of music made visible. Fluid movements, spirals and twists form the five lines of the musical score. The nine notes suspended upon the lines of the score are those of the famous passage of Beethoven’s ninth symphony, “Ode To Joy”. This 80″ sculpture is carved from an ancient juniper tree found hanging on the crumbling remains of a lone limestone butte in a remote corner of the Texas Panhandle. This remnant of a mesa overlooks the confluence of Tule Creek and Palo Duro Canyon, one of the battle sites of the Comanches and Colonel Ronald S. McKenzie.

Years of fierce southwesterly winds have shaped and molded this tree into a massive medley of fluid waves and twists. The twists and flowing lines no longer simply evidencing the ten centuries of howling winds but now conveying a beloved melody. A person who reads music can easily identify the tune. Others may notice the latter notes taking on human form as they tumble downward. The contrast between weathered wood and rich hand polish, plays on the imagination much like music playing on the heart. This sculpture would also be a great addition to any corporate collection, it has proved to be a real “crowd stopper” at shows, evoking deep emotion and great interest from the viewers.

Additional information

Wood Type

West Texas Juniper

Subject Matter

Music Theme

Feel free to contact Chris to inquire about a commissioned sculpture.
Tel: 970-290-4140
Email: parables@jchristopherwhite.com

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