Simultaneously thinking about Beethoven and the theme of neighborly care, I recalled Pete Seeger’s lyrics to a theme from Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. (The year 2027, after all, will mark the bicentennial of Beethoven’s passing.) Pete Seeger’s interest in Beethoven stemmed from a personal love of classical music.

He also related to Beethoven’s drawing from folk sources, such as this Slavic-inspired melody from the 7th Symphony. Pete set the lyrics “Visions of Children” to this melody in 1997 ahead of a protest in NYC that was organized by Green Guerrillas and advocated protecting community gardens in the city. Seeger’s ongoing use of the banjo and guitar to play Beethoven served as a statement on the accessibility and shared human spirit found in all music.

Natalie Merchant’s song “Wonder” was inspired by her experiences from working as a teenager at a camp for special needs children. Beyond its commercial success and being one of her most well-known songs, it has become an anthem to many people who grew up with special needs and their caretakers. The song views them as “wonders,” with doctors having no explanation for their condition, but seeing the work of God in the creation. Merchant said, “It describes their strengths in spite of what others would see as deficiencies.”  There’s a beautiful and emotional video that delves into Merchant’s personal relationship with the twins Kate and Kelly Daley.

—Chris