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New EU songbook contains songs from all member states’123

by AI | 08.Nov 2024 | Europe in brief AI

For nine years, an initiative has taken on European music history. With the support of many citizens, a songbook was created that also includes six well-known pieces from Germany.

May 24, 2024, France, Strasbourg: The flags of the European Union, its member states, and Ukraine are flying in front of the building of the European Parliament. Photo: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa

Brussels – A music collection for unity: Tens of thousands of citizens of the European Union have participated in a joint “EU Songbook”. The collection includes 164 songs from the 27 member states. They are presented in the new songbook in their original languages and in English.

The initiators allowed people in every member state to vote on the songs. 100 music organizations and conservatories from all over Europe also helped in the selection, it was said.

As German songs, the traditional pieces “Sah ein Knab ein Röslein stehn”, “Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud”, “Der Mond ist aufgegangen” as well as the hymn “Von guten Mächten wunderbar geborgen” are represented. The lullaby “Guten Abend, gut’ Nacht” was selected as a children’s song, and in the category “Freedom & Peace” the German participants chose the song “Die Gedanken sind frei”.

The aim of the songbook, according to the initiative, is to transfer the European motto “Unity in Diversity” into art. “The songs represent the whole beauty and diversity of German songs, both old and new tunes that have found their way into the hearts of millions”, said Ekkehard Klemm, president of the Association of German Concert Choirs and EU songbook editor for Germany, according to the announcement. The project had been worked on for nine years. (November 6)