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Best National Anthem?

Best National Anthem

  • La Marseillaise (France)

    Votes: 10 22.7%

  • God Save the Queen (UK)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • The Star Spangled Banner (USA)

    Votes: 11 25.0%

  • Hymn of Russia (Russia)

    Votes: 6 13.6%

  • O Canada (Canada)

    Votes: 2 4.5%

  • Deutschland Über Alles (Germany)

    Votes: 3 6.8%

  • Hatikvah (Israel)

    Votes: 2 4.5%

  • Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (South Africa)

    Votes: 2 4.5%

  • March of the Volunteers (China)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other (Which?)

    Votes: 8 18.2%
  • Total voters
    44
Well, it is a mix of patriotism but I also honestly find it the best national anthem.

Het Wilhelmus (the Wilhelmus)

It is the oldest national anthem, written down in 1574 but only becoming our national anthem in 1932. It is an acronym of the name of the founder of our country, Wilhelm van Oranje (or as it was then, WILLEM VAN NASSOV).

I have 3 versions, the first is instrumental and the second is from the crowning of our new king in 2013 (organ and vocals)





the entire song is never played, it is 15 minutes long (or there abouts) so normally only the first stanza and sixth stanza are played.

These stanza's are:

William of Nassau
am I, of Dutch blood.
Loyal to the fatherland
I will remain until I die.
A prince of Orange
am I, free and fearless.
The king of Spain
I have always honoured.

My shield and reliance
are you, o God my Lord.
It is you on whom I want to rely,
never leave me again.
[Grant] that I may remain brave,
your servant for always,
and [may] defeat the tyranny,
which pierces my heart.

at events it is only played once, at the last 3 royal funerals the Wilhelmus was played when the coffins left for the church when leaving the royal palace (see below) which is the third version of the song



For more about the anthem, it's history and translated text you can read about it here Wilhelmus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
I can never separate La Marseillaise from this classic movie scene:

​
 
Ad_Captandum said:
Just a relatively harmless poll to see which anthem everyone likes the best. Inspired from the other thread about anthems.

I would urge everyone not to simply vote for their own country's anthem out of patriotic pride, because then the poll will be very, very boring.

We can all agree that there are some pretty cool anthems out there, at least give it some real thought -- and if for some reason, you haven't heard the Marseillaise or the Star Spangled Banner, at least check them out before voting.

Also, please explain why you chose which anthem you chose -- do you like the historical context, the musical piece, the inspiring lyrics, what? I'll freely admit I'll be disappointed if every American chooses the American anthem because it's American, or every Brit chooses the British anthem because it's British.

There's no national pride at stake here -- feel free to vote however you like (or, write in an answer if you don't like the options).
Click to expand...

But the poll doesnt include every country;)
 
I used to like 'Waltzing Matilda'- it made up for how boring the swimming events were. I understand it's been replaced, though, by an anthem sung in English.
 
I voted for Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika; it gives me shivers when I hear it sung by a big choir. I might have voted for Land Of My Fathers. It's the most stirring hymn and the Welsh are the best choristers.

Tell me this doesn't move you....

 
beefheart said:
OK, here is Montenegro with english lyrics...Damien, the Anti-Christ!!!!



And here is one for a former country, the beloved Tannu Tuva, their national anthem sounds like the soundtrack to some sprawling cinematic work of yesteryear:

Click to expand...


Those are both excellent videos and excellent anthems.
 
I voted for Russia.


I also love my national anthem though the translation is a bit off.


Now both of the above are uplifting and mobilizing but with a tragic undertone,
the french and italian ones are wholly uplifting and beautiful.

This is the italian one since it never got posted at all.

 
beefheart said:
OK, here is Montenegro with english lyrics...Damien, the Anti-Christ!!!!



And here is one for a former country, the beloved Tannu Tuva, their national anthem sounds like the soundtrack to some sprawling cinematic work of yesteryear:

Click to expand...


I love them both, but only for their comedy value.
 
Rainman05 said:
I voted for Russia.


I also love my national anthem though the translation is a bit off.


Now both of the above are uplifting and mobilizing but with a tragic undertone,
the french and italian ones are wholly uplifting and beautiful.

This is the italian one since it never got posted at all.
Click to expand...


I love the Russian, I'd forgotten the Romanian about 30 seconds after hearing it, and the Italian I've always thought was a bit ridiculous and about twice as long as a national anthem ought to be. Say what you like about God Save The Queen (horrible, horrible, soulless dirge) it does at least have the advantage of only lasting about 45 seconds.

P.S: why did the OP make the poll anonymous? It would have been interesting to see who didn't vote for their own anthem.
 
La Marseillaise at a rugby match - nothing better.

Amhran na Bhfiann is also badass at Croke Park, but I would say that wouldn't I?

I was at the stadium for this one and it's one of the most epic moments of my life.

 
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Andalublue said:
I love the Russian, I'd forgotten the Romanian about 30 seconds after hearing it, and the Italian I've always thought was a bit ridiculous and about twice as long as a national anthem ought to be. Say what you like about God Save The Queen (horrible, horrible, soulless dirge) it does at least have the advantage of only lasting about 45 seconds.

P.S: why did the OP make the poll anonymous? It would have been interesting to see who didn't vote for their own anthem.
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Ah well, to each his own taste in anthems if that's a thing.
 
I'm going with "Oh Bright Dawn of May", The national anthem of Montenegro for two reasons, 1- because it's pretty scary, and 2- because I like Nero Wolfe novels.




Here it is:
 
CanadaJohn said:
O Canada is somewhat boring and repetitive, but it's ours and that makes it special. Being a sports fan I hear lots of national anthems and I do like the Star Spangled Banner when sung with passion and a good voice - and not bastardized by someone trying to be "unique" - and I really loved when Kate Smith sang God Bless America at Philadelphia Flyers playoff games.

For what it's worth, this non-American thinks God Bless America would be a better anthem choice,
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 but then all the atheists would be on the warpath - sorry, bad Indian reference, right? - oops, I mean bad Native America reference, right - not that there's anything bad about Native Americans - oh hell, never mind.
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I also prefer "God bless America" (I'm 1/8th Native American, BTW.).
 
Ben K. said:
La Marseillaise at a rugby match - nothing better.

Amhran na Bhfiann is also badass at Croke Park, but I would say that wouldn't I?

I was at the stadium for this one and it's one of the most epic moments of my life.

Click to expand...


You prefer those two to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau? I don't believe you.
 
Andalublue said:
You prefer those two to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau? I don't believe you.
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I only really listen to national anthems before a sporting clash. The lyrics of the French and Irish anthems are far more suitable for building up an ass kicking than the Welsh one. Musically I just think they're superior.
 
Guy at work was getting some motorcycle parts powder coated for me, cause he lived right next to the place that did it. It was taking forever but finally got done. Because I pestered him so much he demanded I play the Marseillaise for him before he`d bring em to work (he`s French). So I went out and found a 2$ CD of the 1812 Overture. Ya gotta love that music not only do they use cannons in it but they play the national anthem of france in parts of it all to celebrate the defeat of France!
That and the scene from Casablanca where they drown out the germans with the Marseillaise make me vote for the French national anthem.
 
I'm disappointed to see the Star Spangled Banner as the highest rated national anthem. It seems more like an over-hyped lullaby, lacking in appeal to anyone without a patriotic sentiment. I feel far more inspired listening to La Marseillaise or the state anthem of the USSR, even though I'm neither french nor russian.
 
This is how I like my anthem the best, when played at a medal ceremony.

 
Andalublue said:
Congratulations to the Netherlands on whatever kind of sliding those boys did really quickly!
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Speed skating is what they did over a distance of 5000 meters (or 5km), roughly a bit more than 3 miles in 6 minutes and 10 seconds. The man who presented the medals was our King, King Willem Alexander (former IOC member). Later Sven Kramer (who is in line to win 3 gold medals) said that it was really special to receive his gold medal out of the hands of his/our King.
 
The Soviet anthem was just powerful, it practically rang with authority.

America's is okay, but Germany's anthem has such a good tune.
 
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