When some people hear this melody, they think of an Anglican hymn. Others recall a string quartet by Joseph Haydn. And others hear the German national anthem. 

In fact, the tune has served all three purposes, but—surprisingly--its origins lie in the British national anthem, “God Save the King.”  

In this hour, the curious and intertwined stories behind these two familiar tunes, and the ways they have been used—and misused—for the past two centuries.

FEATURED RECORDINGS

Variations on “Gott Erhalte Den Kaiser” - Berlin Classics 001630 2BC

All Things Bright and Beautiful - Musical Heritage Society MHS 544850T

Emperor Quartet - Deutsches Grammophon 415 867-2

Complete New English Hymnal, Vol. 1 - Priory PRCD 701

Beethoven: Irish, Welsh & Scottish Songs - Naïve Classics E8850

Wellington’s Victory - Mercury Living Presence 434 326-2

Czerny: Variations on a Theme by Haydn - Brana Records BR 0024

For God and Country - Newport Classics NPD 85533

Robert Shaw Chorale: This Is My Country - RCA 2662   (LP)

Cesar Franck: Egri and Pertis Duo                                   Hungaroton HCD32444

The Story of Haydn                                                             Vox 8508

Smetana: Festive Symphony                                             Marco Polo 8.223120

Der Kaiser von Atlantis                                                     Decca 440 854-2

Stars & Stripes: America's Greatest Hits [Schuman]   Concert Gold 3660