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How Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' became EU anthem

Since 1972, the finale of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony has been the official anthem of the European Community and its successor: the EU. Here's why. From this symphony, the finale, known as the "Ode to ...
The New York Times

Why We Still Want to Hear the ‘Ode to Joy,’ 200 Years Later

Beethoven’s aspirational vision of unity and peace can be applied to virtually any situation or place. The music makes sure of that. By Joshua Barone Even if you don’t know Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, ...
The Telegraph

How Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ became the European Union anthem

The great composer was seen as a European personality, his symphonies expressive of freedom, peace and solidarity- the values upheld by the union Portrait of Ludwig van Beethoven, dated around 1805 ...