Of Thee I Sing

You most likely know your country's national anthem well enough to sing along when it's sung at public events. But have you ever really listened to it? Do you appreciate the beauty of its melody and the meaning of its words? Do you feel a chill of patriotism when gathered in a large crowd, everybody silent and rapt out of respect for the anthem, for the flag on display, and for the ideals that both represent?

A few weeks ago I heard the national anthem of Mongolia sung proudly by a group of Mongolian students spending the year studying in ND, and I noticed and appreciated the emotions it inspired in them. My daughters asked me last night if they could listen to it again (they like this version), so we did. One thing led to another, and soon we were exploring the Internet for national anthems of various countries. We checked out those from Scandinavia, home of our ancestors, and we were delighted to hear such beautiful songs. When sung with simplicity and sincerity, they all sound like religious hymns. Check them out for yourself:


Norway -- "Ja, Vi Elsker Dette Landet" ("Yes, We Love This Land")
Here is a gorgeous a capella version sung by Norske Solistkor in the Oslo city hall. The acoustics are superb, and the choir's dynamics bring out the beauty in the song's structure and harmonies. Close your eyes while you listen, and you'll feel the shiver of Norwegian pride, even if you're not Norske!

This version comes with a pretty slideshow of Norwegian scenery to enjoy.

Here is the sheet music for the anthem, in case you're inspired to play it on your home piano. (I am.)


Sweden -- "Du Gamla, Du Fria" ("Thou Ancient, Thou Free")
Here is an exceptionally beautiful, simple, folk-sounding instrumental version with a slideshow of gorgeous Swedish sites. You'll want to book a flight to Sweden after watching/listening. (This one is also a pretty instrumental version--a more traditional orchestration.)

If the Swedish anthem were included on a Celine Dion or Sandi Patty album, it might sound like this. The singer is Carola Häggkvist, and the sound is definitely pop; but you get to hear the words, and she sings them with meaning. (Check out Carola's MySpace page for more of her music.)

And here is the sheet music.


Finland -- "Maamme" ("Our Land")
A men's choir (Polytech Choir) sings this beautiful a capella version, accompanied by photos of Finnish sites as well as the words in Finnish and English so that you might sing along if you wish. I recommend keeping your yap shut and just listening, though--it's that pretty.

Here is an instrumental version that has the drums and brass and cymbals we usually associate with patriotic music.

And here is the sheet music (as well as further information on the song itself).


Denmark -- "Der Er et Yndigt Land" ("There Is a Lovely Land")
What if an American Idol contestant were to join a gospel choir to sing a Scandinavian national anthem? It might sound exactly like this. The artist is Miriam Jul Rasmussen, and I almost wish she would gospel-fy "The Star-Spangled Banner" just to know what that might sound like.

This is the more standard, "patriotic band" version. And here is a lovely choral interpretation--simple, unaccompanied, and sincere.

And here is the sheet music.


Iceland -- "Ó Guð Vors Lands" ("Our Country's God")
Here is a slideshow of Iceland's beauty with the anthem played in the background by an orchestra.

Here is another slideshow, this one with full choral and orchestral accompaniment and a "big" ending (it's my favorite version).

And here is the sheet music (or here, if you're a men's choir).