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European National Anthem
The concept that Europe should have its own national anthem might seem strange bearing in mind that Europe is a continent rather than a country. However, while idea may seem strange, there is in fact a European anthem, it’s just the ‘national bit that’s uncertain’.
And chances are that you already know this anthem too – it’s ‘Ode to Joy’ (or ‘Ode an die Freude’ in German) – which is used as the anthem for the union and for the council of Europe. The score comes from the last movement in Beethoven’s 9th symphony which was originally composed in 1823 and today is used at a range of occasions and ceremonies.
Initially the suggestion was made by Count Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi to use the prelude of Ode to Joy as a European anthem. It was believed that Beethoven was at the forefront of Europe’s ‘early Romanticist universalist pretentions’ and this made him a good fit for the anthem. It was then in 1972 (actually sixteen years later) that the Union would officially announce the anthem and that conductor Herbert von Karajan was tasked with writing three instrumental arrangements for the official recording. This was then followed by a major campaign on Europe Day that year. The idea of the anthem is not to replace the individual anthems of each member state, but rather to represent their diversity and unity and to express ideals of freedom and peace. Partly as a result of this international flavour, the anthem is purely instrumental rather than having lyrics in any one language – though the German lyrics will often be sung by choirs when it is performed and there are various translations used in each language.
Some of the lyrics in English are:
Oh friends, not these tones!
Rather let us Sing more,
Cheerful and more joyful ones,
Joy! Joy!
Joy, beautiful spark of the gods,
Daughter of Elysium,
We approach fire-drunk,
Heavenly One, your shrine,
Your magic reunites
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This post was written by admin on December 2012
I like this idea of having a European National Anthem and it doesn’t seem strange to me at all. We do need an anthem to represent our union and this idea of peace between us. Moreover, I really enjoy this song every time I hear it. Even if I do not really understand the lyrics, because I do not know German, only hearing our European national anthem makes me happy instantly. It is indeed a joyful song that makes you think at freedom and peace. I am glad with the decision of having an anthem and I also thank Beethoven for having the inspiration to create this beautiful symphony.
I have been singing this song since middle school. Our music teacher chose me to be part of the school choir and one of the songs we interpreted was the ’Ode To Joy’, which is now the European national anthem. Every time I sang this sing I felt so much joy and happiness.
Now, I am happy that my country, Romania, is part of the European Union and I am happy every time I hear the European nation anthem, because it makes me think that I am part of something great and I do believe everybody feels the same.
Our European National Anthem symbolizes indeed peace, unity and freedom. This is what I feel every time I hear this beautiful song. However, I appreciate more the instrumental part rather than the lyrics, especially the German ones.
I am happy with the fact that we have a flag for our union and I am happy that we also have this European national anthem represented by the song of Beethoven which is my favorite composer.
Even if the European union is composed by other countries, it is also an entity so it deserves all this.
I feel that there needs to be an anthem as well. It is something that every country or continent should have. I know that I get goosebumps when I listen the the United States National Anthem. It just says more about the country. I have never heard this one, but it was very nice.
Ramona- that is great that you feel that way. You should be really proud! I am sure that there are many that feel that way.
Yes there should be a national Anthem in Europe. It is something that every country can then be proud of. But it needs to have aspects of all countries in it to be fair.
I do not much care for the words to this one. It just does not sound right to me. Maybe it is because I am just used to hearing the USA’s.
Every country deserves to have their own National Anthem. It is something that the residents of that country can be very proud of. Then it can be played before sporting and other events to say that the country is proud and that everyone loves it.