Historical Recordings's video: National Anthem of the Netherlands - Wilhelmus c 1572

Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/Feldmarschall_Friedrich The "Wilhelmus", also known as the "Wilhemus van Nassouwe" and "Het Wilhelmus" in Dutch is the national anthem of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Dating back to c. 1572, the "Wilhelmus" is the oldest known national anthem in the world. This is the abridged version. The "Wilhelmus" originated in the Dutch Revolt, the nation's struggle to achieve independence from the Spanish Empire. It tells of the Father of the Nation William of Orange who was a stakeholder in the Netherlands under the King of Spain. In the first person, as if quoting himself, William speaks to the Dutch people about both the revolt and his own, personal struggle: to be faithful to the king without being unfaithful to his conscience: to serve God and the Dutch people. In the lyrics William compares himself with the biblical David who serves under the tyrannic king Saul. As the merciful David defeats the unjust Saul and is rewarded by God with the kingdom of Israel, so too William hopes to be rewarded a kingdom. Both the "Wilhelmus" and the Dutch Revolt should be seen in the light of the 16th century Reformation in Europe and the resulting persecution of Protestants by the Spanish Inquisition in the Low Countries. Militant music proved very useful not only in lampooning Roman clerks and repressive monarchs but also in generating class transcending social cohesion. In successfully combining a psalmic character with political relevancy, the "Wilhelmus" stands as the pre-eminent example of the genre. (DeLapp, Nevada Levi (2014-08-28). The Reformed David and the Question of Resistance to Tyranny: Reading the Bible in the 16th and 17th Centuries. Bloomsbury Publishing) Lyrics (Dutch): Wilhelmus van Nassouwe ben ik van Duitsen bloed den vaderland getrouwe blijf ik tot in den dood. Een Prinse van Oranje ben ik, vrij onverveerd, den Koning van Hispanje heb ik altijd geëerd. Mijn schild ende betrouwen zijt Gij, o God mijn Heer, op U zo wil ik bouwen, verlaat mij nimmermeer. Dat ik doch vroom mag blijven, uw dienaar t'aller stond, de tirannie verdrijven die mij mijn hart doorwondt. Lyrics (English): William of Nassau am I, of German* descent; True to the fatherland I remain until death. Prince of Orange am I, free and fearless. To the King of Spain I have always given honour. You, my God and Lord, are my shield, on You I rely. On You I will build; never leave me, So that I may remain pious, your servant at all moments, Dispelling the tyranny that wounds my heart.