Five Brothers and a War

Dutch National Anthem— Het Wilhelmus

The Dutch national anthem, Wilhelmus van Nassouwe (“William of Nassau”) [usually just Het Wilhelmus —the William], is the oldest national anthem in the world. It was written in 1568, although it was not actually adopted as the official Dutch national anthem until 1932—May 10, to be precise. That was exactly 8 years before the invasion of Holland by Germany. While having been a rallying song for a very long time, it fell out of favor for a period of time ending the 18 th Century, by both the opponents of the Huis van Oranje (who rejected the House and its trappings) and by the House itself (who perceived it as factional support, meaning more Protestant than Catholic as opposed to national support from everyone). The result was that Het Wilhelmus was replaced officially from 1815, until that date in 1932, with Wien Neêrlands Bloed Door D'aderen Vloeit (”In Whom Dutch Blood through Veins Flow.”) In its fifteen stanzas, Het Wilhelmus speaks in the first person, as though sung by William of Orange, and his struggles toward Dutch independence. Het Wilhelmus is played only once at a ceremony or whatever other event and, if possible, it is to be the last piece of music to be played. In a protocol unique to Holland, when receiving a foreign head of state or emissary, the Dutch anthem may not be played unless a member of the Dutch Royal House is present. During international sport events, such as the World Cup, UEFA European Football Championship, and the Olympic Games the Wilhelmus is also played. In nearly every case only the first and sixth stanza are played, rather than the entire song, which would result in about 15 minutes of music.

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Five Brothers and a War

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