Seconded (or rather thirded) for those liking the old GDR anthem. Leaving aside the politics, "Auferstanden aus Ruinen" was a banger. Although my personal favourite remains the old Soviet anthem, closely followed by Israel's "Hatikvah" and "La Marseillaise". The British are however in even more need of a new national anthem. "God save the King" is nothing more than drearily arranged compilation of curt commands to the Almighty. It always leaves me cold. "Jerusalem", "I vow to thee my Country" or "Rule Britannia" would be SO much better...
Totally agree. And why does the England football team use the British national anthem anyway. So wrong. I also like Land of Hope and Glory but given the imperialistic lyrics maybe we could use the similar but different 4th pomp and circumstance march as an instrumental instead.
Very interesting article, Katja, and you are probably right in your conclusions. The notion of nationhood has become a hot potato everywhere, it seems, so this isn’t a good time to start a debate in which people will inevitably take sides based on their politics. I like the idea of continuity based on Germany’s tradition of liberal democracy, dating back to the mid-19th century. It would be a good thing if much more were made of that, I think.
Solely as a piece of music I miss the old GDR anthem. Beautifully written and arranged. Fully understand though, those for whom it brings back bad memories.
Taken too far, this debate and a 'Boaty McBoatface' referendum could see Germany ending up with Major Tom or Verlieben, Verloren, Vergessen, Verzeihen as its anthem.
Always liked both anthems , especially the East German one , ours in the uk 🇬🇧 is for me personally very boring, however it’s our anthem and identifies us as British , it’s the same when you here the first melodies of the French , German etc etc , it feels like they are opening up a debate where no one will be the victor , leave well alone in my opinion .
Interesting comment about God Save the King, Dave. I suspect it’s an anthem with which mainly English people identify. Scots and Welsh people are rather less enthusiastic, in my experience!
Sounds like trying not to break egg shells what a fascinating and complicated situation ,of course there's always the Spanish option, no lyrics . Although I would imagine most Germans enjoy a good national song .
This strikes me as a very fair-minded overview of a complex and sensitive issue.
Seconded (or rather thirded) for those liking the old GDR anthem. Leaving aside the politics, "Auferstanden aus Ruinen" was a banger. Although my personal favourite remains the old Soviet anthem, closely followed by Israel's "Hatikvah" and "La Marseillaise". The British are however in even more need of a new national anthem. "God save the King" is nothing more than drearily arranged compilation of curt commands to the Almighty. It always leaves me cold. "Jerusalem", "I vow to thee my Country" or "Rule Britannia" would be SO much better...
Totally agree. And why does the England football team use the British national anthem anyway. So wrong. I also like Land of Hope and Glory but given the imperialistic lyrics maybe we could use the similar but different 4th pomp and circumstance march as an instrumental instead.
Very interesting article, Katja, and you are probably right in your conclusions. The notion of nationhood has become a hot potato everywhere, it seems, so this isn’t a good time to start a debate in which people will inevitably take sides based on their politics. I like the idea of continuity based on Germany’s tradition of liberal democracy, dating back to the mid-19th century. It would be a good thing if much more were made of that, I think.
Strange to have lyrics about German wine, women and song. I’d be surprised if even moderate feminists were okay with that!
I think a balanced anthem, 'My country first'. Others have gracious Monarchs yet others, a call to arms to unite the citizenry against their monarchy:
Solely as a piece of music I miss the old GDR anthem. Beautifully written and arranged. Fully understand though, those for whom it brings back bad memories.
Taken too far, this debate and a 'Boaty McBoatface' referendum could see Germany ending up with Major Tom or Verlieben, Verloren, Vergessen, Verzeihen as its anthem.
Always liked both anthems , especially the East German one , ours in the uk 🇬🇧 is for me personally very boring, however it’s our anthem and identifies us as British , it’s the same when you here the first melodies of the French , German etc etc , it feels like they are opening up a debate where no one will be the victor , leave well alone in my opinion .
Interesting comment about God Save the King, Dave. I suspect it’s an anthem with which mainly English people identify. Scots and Welsh people are rather less enthusiastic, in my experience!
And Scousers ;)
Sounds like trying not to break egg shells what a fascinating and complicated situation ,of course there's always the Spanish option, no lyrics . Although I would imagine most Germans enjoy a good national song .