http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9jDl571rHU
Joseph Haydn appealed to me, as one of his works written in 1797, eventually became the melody for the German Nation Anthem: Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser (God save Franz, the Emperor; the melody was later used in Das Lied der Deutschen, which is still Germany‘s national anthem.) (https://classes.uaf.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_60839_1%26url%3d)
Having taken 2 years of German in High School, I am still fascinated by the German people and culture. This is another piece that embodies the culture of today in it’s continued popularity. This piece was politically on-time given the neo-classical movement that can be seen during this time frame. It would have had a broad appeal to the upper and the middle class, and that appeal is still apparent today in it’s use in German society as an anthem.
Creating a sense of society, regardless of the class system, is especially important to the middle class. Haydn, and his politically motivated anthem helps to bring people together with the sense of community that he creates by bringing Germany together in song and country for hundreds of years. I especially like that this recording is done in a cathedral with an organ – organ music is one of my personal favorites.
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June 21, 2010 at 7:12 am
Jessica
This is a good post and clearly explains the association with the middle class and why you find it appealing. It would be interesting to hear the song with the German anthem. I have a hard time imagining this song used for a national anthem because the organ is so overwhelming. Also, I’m curios as to whether the song has another name aside from the German National Anthem.
June 22, 2010 at 7:15 am
jmcannon
I have to agree with you, I too love the sound of the organ. The piece of music here is very beautiful and it seems to have a calming effect more so to me. I especially liked how you included the political background; it added a little more depth to to the piece when I listened to it. Along with Jessica, I would also have liked to hear the whole anthem. Overall you told me enough to want to find out more and have a nice post.
June 25, 2010 at 2:40 am
audrey lei
I studied German history in high school as well. I remember learning that this anthem was written for the birthday of an Austrian Emperor then it later became the German National Anthem. I also learned that the music came before the lyrics and that a famous poet wrote them. You have provided great information about the composer and how his anthem ties in with the rise of the middle class. I do love the organ version of their anthem and would love to hear it with the lyrics.
June 25, 2010 at 11:22 pm
danielleburke
I enjoyed reading your blog. I never took German in high school, but I had some friends that did. I really like hearing them talk to each other in German, even though I did not understand what they were saying. I also enjoyed hearing this piece with organ music. Although this piece is full of political pride and glory for the Germany but the organ gives this piece darker undertones, which makes it appealing to me.
I also agree that Joseph Haydn’s music with political undertones and pride for Germany would help give the middle class a sense of pride for their country. The music of this era was less about aristocracy and more about the everyday man. I believe knowing that would allow the middle class enjoy music more.
June 29, 2010 at 6:18 am
tknight8blog
I don’t know how I overlooked this song when I was trying to figure out what to post for my blog! This is a wonderful blog – I, too, am obsessed with German culture right now and will be learning the language shortly! Your connection to the middle and upper classes is very understandable as it is obviously a large part of their national identity and has been for some time – that obviously could only have added to their increasing middle classes as it allowed them to identify with others and embrace their new emerging culture!