The official anthem of the European Union is the famous melody from the Symphony No. 9 in D minor Op. 125 by Ludwig van Beethoven, ...
who set music to Ode to Joy, German poet Friedrich von Schiller's lyrical verse of 1785. Composed in 1823, when the musician was completely deaf, it is known as the Hymn to Joy, as this fourth and last movement of the symphony includes part of the Ode to Joy by Schiller. The melody by Beethoven was chosen as a anthem of Europe in 1972 by the Council of Europe as "speechless with the universal language of music this anthem expresses the ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity pursued by Europe". The Council commissioned the master Herbert von Karajan, one of the greatest conductors of the twentieth century, to make three instrumental versions for solo piano, wind instruments and symphonic orchestra. In 1985 it was adopted by European Union leaders as the official anthem of the European Union. In 2001 the Ode to Joy theme was declared by Unesco World Memory.
Usually the anthem is not sung and the same Council of Europe says: " There are no words to the anthem; it consists of music only. In the universal language of music, this anthem expresses the European ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity". Many people did not like the original words in German and a Latin text was proposed that was more in keeping with the European spirit. Ode to Joy theme does not replace the national anthems of the member countries, but wants to celebrate the values they share. The anthem symbolises not only the European Union but also Europe in a wider sense. Ode to Joy lyrical verse expresses Schiller's idealistic vision of the human race becoming brothers, a vision Beethoven shared. The European anthem is not intended to replace the national anthems of the European Union countries but rather to celebrate the values they share. The anthem is played at official ceremonies involving the European Union and generally at all sorts of events with a European character. (Anna Ferrero)
@ Italia Italy, 2018
