28th Annual Student Research Conference
A Lost Hymn: "Austria" and Its Alteration into Anthem
Cole C. Haugen
Prof. Shirley McKamie, Faculty Mentor
Historically, the tune "Austria" is known by several names. Today many recognize the melody as the German national anthem. Perhaps less well known is its religious history. John Newton, composer of Amazing Grace, used the same melody in 1779 when he published the hymn "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken". After Newton's work, the religious use of "Austria" became overshadowed politically during the rise of German nationalism. Nineteenth-century Enlightenment writers espoused new lyrics to "Austria" in order to create a sense of German national unity. These alterations culminated in the familiar anthem "Das Deutschlandlied" which was adopted by the Nazi Party in 1933 and serves as a prominent example of how German political leaders used music to control the masses, influence public opinion, and create a national identity. Allowing "Austria" to be viewed in an infamous historical context has diminished the use of this once-popular hymn in Christian worship services.
Keywords: Christianity, Deutschlandlied, Germany, Haydn, Joseph , Music, Nazi Party , nationalism, Newton, John
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 211-1
Location: MG 2090
Time: 11:00