Rock and Romantic Comparisons

Similarities 

• Use of vocals- In Beethoven’s No.9 Movement IV introduces the song “An die Freude” or “Ode to joy”. The choir works as another instrument at Beethoven’s disposal. The symphony creates a canon in the piece between the choir and the orchestra several times. This canon is similar to the on where Queen sings “Galileo” over and over again the ending on a resolving chord.

• “Bohemian rhapsody” is considered one of QUEEN’s most symphonic pieces and is similar to the melodic movement of Symphony No. 9. The similarity shows in “Bohemian Rhapsody” has the lead singer go through many chord changes in the line , towards the middle of the piece, “Mama, life had just begun, But now I’ve gone and thrown it all away- Mama ooo, Didn’t mean to make you cry”(Mercury) .

• Both pieces are emotionally inspired and translate the emotions through the climax’s and the dynamic contrasts of each piece.

Differences

• Lyrics
  - Queen member Freddie Mercury wrote the original lyrics for “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
  - Beethoven, however, took his vocals from the German poem “An die Freude” in German, translating to “Ode to Joy” in English, written by the playwright, poet and historian, Friedrich Schiller

• Instrumentation
  - Beethoven’s symphony was written for a full orchestra and a choir.
  - Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is scored for a central Rock band: four vocal parts one to two guitars, bass, pianist, and a drum set.
  Queen’s song has Six parts to it: introduction, ballad guitar solo, opera rock and an outro.
  -Beethoven’s fourth movement was once called a symphony within a symphony. It is believed to mirror the whole Symphony No. 9.