Beethoven

In 1972, the same European committee that designed the European flag adopted Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' from his 9th Symphony. Several years later, in 1985, it became the official anthem of the European Union. The text written by Friedrich von Schiller expressed his belief that all men can become brothers; a belief also shared by Beethoven. Several arrangements of the piece were made and performed. Although the words are not in the anthem, the music conveys the same ideas of freedom, peace, and unity.