Beethoven in the Shadows of Berlin: Karajan's European Anthem

International audienceIn this article the author discusses aspects of the piece of music composed as the anthem for the European Union by German musician and orchestra conductor Herbert von Karajan. It is noted that the musical piece was based on a 19th century creation by composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The article explores the relations between the anthem, the European right wing and the fact that von Karajan had joined the German Nazi Party in the era before the Second World War. The author notes the human rights theme in the anthem