The
European anthem is the anthem not only of the European Union but also of Europe
in a wider sense. The melody comes from the Ninth Symphony composed in 1823 by
Ludwig Van Beethoven. When used as the European anthem, it has no words.
For the final
movement of this symphony, Beethoven set to music the "Ode to Joy” written in
1785 by Friedrich von Schiller. This poem expresses Schiller’s idealistic
vision of the human race becoming brothers - a vision Beethoven shared.
In 1972, the
Council of Europe adopted Beethoven’s "Ode to Joy” theme as its own anthem. The
well-known conductor Herbert Von Karajan was asked to write three instrumental
arrangements – for solo piano, for wind instruments and for symphony orchestra.
Without words, in the universal language of music, this anthem expresses the
ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity for which Europe stands.
In 1985, it was
adopted by EU heads of State and government as the official anthem of the
European Union. It is not intended to replace the national anthems of the
Member States but rather to celebrate the values they all share and their unity
in diversity.
United in diversity
"United in diversity” is the
motto of the European Union.
The motto means
that, via the EU, Europeans are united in working together for peace and
prosperity, and that the many different cultures, traditions and languages in Europe are a positive
asset for the continent.
Exercise
Open
the brackets.
The European anthem
The European
anthem (to be) the anthem not only of the European Union but also of Europe in a wider sense.
The melody (to come) from the Ninth Symphony composed in 1823 by Ludwig Van
Beethoven. When used as the European anthem, it (to have) no words.
For the final
movement of this symphony, Beethoven (to set) to music the "Ode to Joy” written
in 1785 by Friedrich von Schiller. This poem ((to express) Schiller’s
idealistic vision of the human race becoming brothers – a vision Beethoven (to
share).
In 1972, the
Council of Europe (to adopt) Beethoven’s "Ode to Joy” theme as its own anthem.
The well-known conductor Herbert Von Karajan (to ask) to write three
instrumental arrangements – for solo piano, for wind instruments and for
symphony orchestra. Without words, in the universal language of music, this
anthem (to express) the ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity for which Europe (to stand).
In 1985, it (to
adopt) by EU heads of State and government as the official anthem of the
European Union. It (not to intend) to replace the national anthems of the
Member States but rather to celebrate the values they all (to share) and their
unity in diversity.
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