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5.0 out of 5 stars
Echos from a vanished empire, September 24, 2002
This review is from: Dem Morgenrot Entgegen-Hy (Audio CD)
These digitally remastered recordings from the radio archives of the now-defunct East Germany could also have been titled, "Our Master's Voice." This exceptional collection includes East Germany's rather florid national anthem in both choral and instrumental versions. The melody by composer Hanns Eisler will be familiar from many Olympic medal ceremonies in the 1970s and 80s. Footnote: the anthem's original text included the phrase, "Germany, united Fatherland." For that reason the East German government actually banned the words of their own national anthem in 1971. Thereafter, only the instrumental version could be performed.
Also noteworthy (and very difficult to find) is a hymn by Eisler (words by Bertolt Brecht) that was briefly considered an alternative candidate for the East German anthem: the "Children's Hymn" with its remarkable line that summarized Germany's postwar reality: "...that the nations will not grow pale as if confronted by a robber," i.e., when they meet a German in the street.
Also of interest: rousing performances of the Soviet national anthem, patriotic Russian choruses from World War II, the Internationale (sung in German), and classic revolutionary marches from Germany, Britain, Italy and Poland performed by the regimental band of the East German secret police.
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