Description
Book Synopsis
This first in-depth study of European national anthems analyzes their evolution as indicative of the culture, characteristics, and histories of the 15 different nations. Beyond these specific features, The Voice of Nations explores common themes such as the quest for liberty, independence, patriotism, national resurrection, and self-determination. The book also probes the reasons why these anthems are still in use and addresses their relevance in the era of European integration. Professor Eyck, a European-born historian, uses primary sources hitherto unavailable in this country and examines those anthems that were created spontaneously, rather than commissioned by rulers. Anthems included belong to countries that enjoyed sovereignty for either centuries or decades before 1914. Each chapter outlines the country's situation when the poem, destined to anthem status, was created; summarizes the life and work of the author; shows how and when the poem was set to music, and why it ev
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments The Setting Ancien Regime Anthems The Netherlands: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe--Philip Marnix van St. Aldegonde? The United Kingdom: God Save the King (Queen)--Author unknown Denmark: Kong Christian--Johannes Ewald and Der er et yndigt land--Adam G. Oehlenschläger Resistance Anthems France: La Marseillaise--Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle Poland: Dabrowski Mazurka--Jozef Wybicki Portugal: A Portuguesa--Henrique Lopes de Mendonça Ireland: Amhran na/bh Fiann--Peadar Kearney Liberation Anthems Hungary: Himnusz--Ferenc Kölcsey Greece: Hymnos eis ten Eleutherian--Dionysios Solomos Belgium: La Brabançonne--A. Dechet (Jenneval), C. Rogier, R. Herreman Norway: Sang for Norway--Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson Unification Anthems Germany: Das Lied der Deutschen--August H. Hoffmann von Fallersleben Italy: Inno di Mameli--Goffredo Mameli Anthems of Contentment Sweden: Du gamla, du fria--Richard Dybeck and The Hymn--Carl A.V. Strandberg Luxembourg: Ons Hemeecht--Michel Lentz Bibliographical Note
