Gelübde (Volta)

Gelübde

English: Vow
National anthem of Voltan government-in-exile Former national anthem of the Voltan Democratic Republic
Lyrics	Joseph Kienzl, 1879
Music	Joseph Kienzl, 1879
Adopted	07 June 1881 13 March 1925 (with modified lyrics, as anthem of the Voltan government-in-exile)
Relinquished	05 February 1924 (as national anthem of the Voltan Democratic Republic)
Audio sample
File:Ich hab mich ergeben.mid "Gelübde (instrumental)" file help

"Gelübde" (Dolch for "Vow") is a Voltan patriotic song. From 1881 to 1924 it served as the national anthem of the Voltan Democratic Republic. To this day it serves as the anthem of the Voltan government-in-exile. It was composed in 1879 by Joseph Kienzl, as part of a call from Eugen Rathenau to create a Voltan patriotic music.

History

Origins

When Volta gained independence from Shffahkia in 1863 it initially didn't have any official national anthem. A number of songs were instead used as the national anthem, the most popular of which was "Mein Land, von Dir ist’s". When Eugen Rathenau assumed absolute power after the 1876 Voltan coup d'état, and though he remained a popular leader at the onset of this he was not without his critics. In particular, those sympathetic with the Tlaloc slaves and the Mischling laborers grew increasingly critical of his policies. In 1878, Eugen decided that in an attempt to cultivate a culture of patriotism he would give grants to musicians and lyricists to create patriotic songs.

Responding to this call, Joseph Kienzl began working to write a song in 1878. In mid-1879, he published Gelübde. It quickly gained popularity among Voltans, and was used by many organizations as an unofficial anthem. Hearing of the songs popularity, and liking it himself, Eugen called for the National Congress to adopt it as Volta's official national anthem, which it did on 07 June 1881.

After Voltan Civil War

On the 5 February 1923, facing certain defeat in the Voltan Civil War, then President Otto Schmitt called for modifications to the anthem and revoked it's official status. This was done in as part of an attempt to win support from a larger portion of the general population, as the lyrics referencing Eugen had proved controversial by that time. However, this move did little if anything to actually win over the Voltan people.

The Voltan government-in-exile called for an anthem to be once again officially adopted, and after some debate chose to re-adopt Gelübde with modified lyrics. Specifically, the two verses referencing Eugen were dropped due to the fact that at that point he was highly unpopular amongst the general Voltan population. Additionally, an official Voltan language translation was adopted on 17 July 1969. This remains the anthem of the government-in-exile to this day.

Legal status

Within Volta today, performance of the anthem outside of educational and artistic contexts is illegal. This is due to the fact that the Voltan government considers the government-in-exile to be a rebel organization. Due to this any performance of the anthem outside of educational and artistic contexts, and in particular performance in political contexts, is considered voicing support for an overthrow of the government.

Lyrics

1881 lyrics

Dolch

English translation

Ich hab mich ergeben Mit Herz und mit Hand, für dich, das Land der Freien Mein Wolten' Vaterland! Mein Herz wird nicht schwanken, Dir treu zugewandt, Du Heimat der Mutigen, Du herrlich Woltersland! Du Land, reich an Ruhme, Wo Eugen erstand, Für deines Volkes Träume Reich ich mein Herz und Hand! Eugen, der uns befreit' Vom Seylosreichsjoch, Wir glauben noch immer an den Woltanerstaat! Du sollst tapfer kämpfen, gesegnet vom Herrn Wenn alle Feinde fallen, erhebst du deinen Stern! Lass Kraft mich erwerben In Herz und in Hand, Zu leben und zu sterben Fürs heil'ge Vaterland!

I have given myself With heart and with hand for you, the land of the free My Voltan Fatherland! My heart will never waver Loyally turned towards you, You home of the courageous, You glorious Wolter's land! You land, rich in glory where Eugen arose For your people's dreams I reach out my heart and hand! Eugen, who liberated us from Seylosian yoke We still believe In your Voltan State! You shall fight bravely blessed by the Lord. As all foes fall You raise your star. Let me gain strength In heart and hand, To live and to die For the holy Fatherland!

1925 lyrics

Dolch	English translation
Ich hab mich ergeben Mit Herz und mit Hand, für dich, das Land der Freien Mein Wolten' Vaterland! Mein Herz wird nicht schwanken, Dir treu zugewandt, Du Heimat der Mutigen, Du herrlich Woltersland! Du sollst tapfer kämpfen, gesegnet vom Herrn Wenn alle Feinde fallen, erhebst du deinen Stern! Lass Kraft mich erwerben In Herz und in Hand, Zu leben und zu sterben Fürs heil'ge Vaterland!	I have given myself With heart and with hand for you, the land of the free My Voltan Fatherland! My heart will never waver Loyally turned towards you, You home of the courageous, You glorious Wolter's land! You shall fight bravely blessed by the Lord. As all foes fall You raise your star. Let me gain strength In heart and hand, To live and to die For the holy Fatherland!