Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” is the apparently the default national anthem, for countries that don’t already have such a tune. The European Union uses it. Also, during the Olympics, it is clear some African nations use it too.
Why??
I have nothing against the Ode to Joy. I mean, when I was learning the recorder as a child, it was the easiest to play, because you’re basically just playing the same three notes up and down the scale.
But why Ode to Joy? Anthems are supposed to be uplifting, deep and personal. Personally, if someone wants to compose a national anthem, I would submit they use the tune from “He Shall Feed His Flock” from Handel’s Messiah. Here, judge for yourselves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6TS583OsYU (Note. There is a small “recitative” before “He Shall Feed His Flock” in this link [“…then shall the eyes of the blind be opened…” etc.].)
Well, that’s my opinion. What do the rest of you think:):):)?
It’s pretty, it’s extremely well known, it declares ideals that no one seriously disagrees with, and (as yet) it doesn’t have associations with unpleasant ideologies.
Can anyone come up with a better candidate?
("'Twas on the Good Ship Venus" just won’t fill the bill. Darn it.)
ETA: your candidate is too specifically Christian in nature, and thus would produce a sense of exclusion among many non-Christians.
ETA again: your candidate is, most certainly, very, very lovely!
I guess if a country has no national anthem, or at least, the Olympic committee has no recording of a country’s national anthem, the Ode to Joy might come in handy. I suppose there are more inoffensive well-known tunes, but off hand, I can’t think of any more well-known.
It seems to be the default for countries (and disputed areas) that choose not to use their national anthem for whatever reason. It could be as simple as some countries not bothering to submit their music.
I’m guessing the idea of a national anthem is not one that every country puts a lot of weight in to.
Oh, and my suggested default anthem: “Louie Louie”, of course. Distinctive melody, and since nobody understands the words, anyone can sing what they want.
This may sound a bit silly, but B’s 9th is used in lieu of an anthem because it is anthemic. It has strong, resounding music, a serious tone, and is memorable.
Those poor anthemless bastards need a little instrumental Billy Ray after they win the gold. That would knock the socks off those losers at the Olympiad!
Its a very stirring song that proclaims the brotherhood of man. The only other song that comes close to this is the Internationale which of course is objectionable to many for its ideology.