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National Anthems

(11 Posts)
gracesmum Mon 06-Aug-12 20:43:21

How many would you recognise?
They are so different aren't they? I thought the Hungarian anthem yesterday (men's pommel horse) sounded like an adagio by Chopin or Liszt, the Italian sounds like an overture to a comic opera, the Jamaican one is clearly not very singable.
Do you have a favourite? And why did somebody have to do an arrangement of God Save The Queen that does away with the twiddly bits before "Send her victorious"?

numberplease Mon 06-Aug-12 20:56:54

I think that the recording of our anthem is terrible, you`d think that as the host country we could find a much better version. I rather like the German, Russian, Italian and American ones, oh, and the French anthem as well.

Annobel Mon 06-Aug-12 21:24:09

I like the Marseillaise although it's a bit bloodthirsty. I sing along with the Kenyan anthem which was composed for independence by an expat musician, but with an African flavour. We used to sing it at school on a Friday morning and raise the flag. I can (she boasts) sing it in either Swahili or English. But the one that really raises the hairs on the back of my neck is the South African Anthem - Nkosi sikelel iAfrika.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXKur2FAN7g

vampirequeen Mon 06-Aug-12 21:49:51

I don't know many tbh.

I know our dirge, the French, the South African and the USA. Gosh how embarrassing. I'm ashamed of myself.

Mishap Mon 06-Aug-12 21:54:38

Nkosi Sikeleli was one of the songs that I had the great privilege of conducting over 200 people singing in the Three Choirs festival a couple of weeks ago - what an inspiring piece it truly is!

merlotgran Mon 06-Aug-12 22:01:41

The Hungarian National Anthem sounds like something we would play on Rememberance Sunday. I'm happy to say I haven't heard many anthems because they keep playing ours grin

gracesmum Mon 06-Aug-12 22:03:40

Nice one, merlot !
I do agree about the S.A. anthem it is amazing and must have sounded incredible in Hereford Cathedral!

Annobel Mon 06-Aug-12 22:03:58

Do you remember the film 'Cry Freedom' which I think was when I first heard Nkosi Skikel iAfrika? It blew me away then and it still does.

nanaej Mon 06-Aug-12 22:34:51

Jambo, habari yaku Annobel?

Annobel Mon 06-Aug-12 22:48:12

Mzuri sana, asante, nanaej

You have a history in East Africa too?

Maniac Tue 07-Aug-12 12:33:26

Remember learning/singing 'Oh Canada' in primary school.That was a rousing truly national anthem. some others but that is the one that sticks in my mind.