Ode to Joy

[Old McDonald]

Does anybody else find this an odd tune to play at times like the Proms (especially the year of the Twin Towers terrorist attack) and yesterday by the National Youth Orchestra?

Apart from the fact that it is the anthem of the EU, of which we are no longer a part, it is recognised as a protest song. Many think it was originally written as an Ode to Freedom, and not “to Joy”.

It was used as such an Ode to Freedom by German PoWs in Japan during WWI (not II). During WWII Hitler used it in propaganda, and as his “Birthday Tune”. The Japanese used it in propaganda at the same time. It was also used as a protest in Chile against Pinochet and in Tiananmen Square. I understand the tune still causes some controversy in Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, where it was the tune of the national anthem for a few years prior to becoming Zimbabwe and where the government was a white minority. Someone with experience of living there will know better. @Danllan ?

It has been used in several countries in recent weeks as some sort of “cheer me up” and it seems to me that it would be preferable for each country to use one of its own songs. Some of the WWII ones would fit the bill admirably even if they tend to be English rather than British. We could start with this one

It is rather apt considering many of us are separated from friends and relatives during the present times.

How about some other suggestions?

 

[caveman]

 

[Danllan]

Does anybody else find this an odd tune to play at times like the Proms (especially the year of the Twin Towers terrorist attack) and yesterday by the National Youth Orchestra?

Apart from the fact that it is the anthem of the EU, of which we are no longer a part, it is recognised as a protest song. Many think it was originally written as an Ode to Freedom, and not “to Joy”.

...I understand the tune still causes some controversy in Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, where it was the tune of the national anthem for a few years prior to becoming Zimbabwe and where the government was a white minority. Someone with experience of living there will know better. @Danllan ?...

How about some other suggestions?

Yep I picked up on the choice of tune, but only with regard to the EU connotation, which really doesn't bother me at all now we are out - just a bit of petulance, which is more amusing than anything else.

As for it being controversial in Zimbabwe... I can't recall having heard it played, or not having heard it played. The 'politically aware' blacks - more accurately politically indoctrinated / astute - were far more concerned with who owned what than with music and the like. Loads of makers' marks still had the old place names on them e.g. Gatooma instead of Kadoma, and Rhodesia rather than Zimbabwe, and nobody cared, much. But they were a good enough casus belli when such was required...

In passing, I rather like the music for its own sake, it is a superb piece written by an undoubted genius. For an irony, if anyone cares to read Beethoven's own correspondence, his steadfast belief that Europe was best as a continent of separate and independently governed nations is glaringly apparent. That written, he did live through Bonaparte's misrule, so it is no surprise really.

 

[manhill]

Nah! Men of Harlech, Danny Boy, Scotland the brave, and what's that other one, 'what shall we do with the drunken sailor' hornpipe?
The UK theme tune in other words.