The European Union Anthem 'Ode to Joy'
from the finale of the Ninth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven to words by Friedrich Schiller arranged for unaccompanied mixed choir
The Ninth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, composed in 1824, has long been acknowledged as a symbol of the most sublime ideals and flights of human spirit. In the finale of the Symphony the composer introduced an excerpt from the Ode to Joy written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785. Schillers vision of the whole of mankind united in brotherly embrace and the life-assertion were also dear to Beethoven. The ideas of freedom, peace and solidarity are timeless values.
In 1972 the Council of Europe adopted The Ode included in the finale of the Symphony as its anthem. The universal, instrumental versions of the anthem for: piano, wind instruments and symphony orchestra were then prepared by the distinguished conductor Herbert von Karajan. Since 1985 the anthem has been accepted by all member states as the European Unions official anthem. It is most frequently performed on 9 May the feast day of the Union as well as during official ceremonies and summits, together with the anthem of the state currently presiding in the European Union.
The fact of Polands access to the Union as well as the interest that ensembles also take in the vocal version have inspired the arrangement of the anthem for mixed unaccompanied chorus by Krzysztof Meyer to a translation of the text of The Ode by Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński.
- Words: Friedrich Schiller
- Editor: Krzysztof Meyer
- Cover Design: Marcin Hernas
- ISMN 979-0-2740-0107-0
- Language of edition: pol
- Language of text: pol
- Number of pages: 8
- Cover: softcover
- No. of edition: 2
- Published: 2023
- Type: study score
- Size: A4 vertical (210x297 mm)
