Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Anthem

First Performance

:

1947

Average_duration

:

1:27

"Das Deutschlandlied" or "The Song of Germany" is the national anthem of Germany. It was composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1797 and was originally titled "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" or "God Save Emperor Francis". The melody was later adapted to fit the lyrics of "Das Lied der Deutschen" or "The Song of the Germans" in 1841 by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben. The anthem has three movements, with the first and third being the same melody and the second being a contrasting melody. The first movement is a slow and stately hymn, while the second is a faster and more lively march. The third movement returns to the slow and stately hymn, with a grand and triumphant ending. The characteristics of the anthem are its simple and memorable melody, its patriotic lyrics, and its historical significance. The lyrics of "Das Lied der Deutschen" were written during a time of political upheaval in Germany, and the anthem has since become a symbol of German unity and national pride. The anthem was officially adopted as the national anthem of Germany in 1922, and its lyrics were revised after World War II to remove references to German territory outside of its current borders. Today, the anthem is sung at official events and ceremonies throughout Germany, and its melody is recognized around the world as a symbol of German culture and heritage.

More....