In 1797, Joseph Haydn wrote a patriotic anthem celebrating the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II. The music, with different lyrics, was subsequently adopted by several countries as an imperial anthem, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was also adopted as an anthem by Imperial Germany, and continues as the music for Germany's national anthem today. Sadly, the strains are probably best known in connection with the Nazis' "Deutschland über Alles", a few bars of which were frequently used in WWII movies to underscore the presence of SS or Wehrmacht officers.
The music is typical of the majestic melodies and dignified cadences of the 18th century, and this is my favorite instrumental version. The video incorporates scenes from the 1955 romantic period drama, Sissi, about the woman who married Franz Joseph I and became Empress of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Very stirring. I’m astounded by the child. Her hands aren’t big enough yet to play a lot of pieces, so it will be interesting to see what she can accomplish when she’s grown.
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