Sam Kemp <[log in to unmask]>: >He only "translated" the work as much as the average opera composer >"translates" the libretto in the process of setting it to music. For >example, the janissary "Turkish March" section's solo voice is a loose >interpretation of the following stanza: Speaking about the march in Beethoven 9 - it is a great joke. Imagine writing world historys most serious symphony, and then comes this!! I consider it an example of the masters most contraversial humour - and humour is avalue in Beethoven. I think it fun, although maybe a bit inappropriate - old Ludwig should have had a kick in his ass for that! Mats Norrman [log in to unmask]