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EUROPEAN UNION SONGBOOK

The European Union Songbook

12th June 2015 / 17th July 2015

HvG nominated for inclusion in two categories in Austria

EU SongbookA group of professional musicians and music students in Copenhagen is working to produce The European Union Songbook – a songbook that represents the musical spectrum of the European Union, as chosen by its citizens.

Shortlists of songs are being drawn up in each of the 28 member states. The different nations are then invited in turn to vote for their favourite songs in six categories: nature/seasons; children's song; faith; folk song; freedom/peace; love song.

The finished songbook, to be published on 9th May 2017 (Europe Day), will include the 6 winning songs from each member state – 112 songs in total. Not just the sheet music and original lyrics will be provided; there will also be an English translation alongside each song too. Proceeds from the sale of this first edition will then finance the production of a second edition containing all 24 languages of the European Union.

In Austria, the song shortlists have been decided by students and teachers from five well-respected music establishments across the country: the University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz; Anton Bruckner Private University for Music, Drama, and Dance; The Joseph Haydn Conservatory; the Franz Schubert Conservatory and the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna.

Two songs from Hubert von Goisern's repertoire are to be found among the contending works. His number one hit, Brenna tuat's guat is listed in the "Freedom/Peace" category and the popular ballad Weit, weit weg is one of the six options in the "Love Song" category.

The people of Denmark have already cast their votes for their favourite songs and next it's Austria's turn. From Friday, 12th June until Sunday, 12th July, Austrian citizens will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite songs.

UPDATE: The six Austrian songs that will be published in The European Union Songbook have now been chosen by 2991 voters. Here are the results:

Freedom/peace: Brenna tuat's guat - Hubert von Goisern

Nature/seasons: In die Berg bin i gern

Love song: Weus'd a Herz hast wia a Bergwerk - Rainhard Fendrich

Folk song: Kein Schöner Land

Faith: Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht - Joseph Mohr / Franz Xaver Gruber

Children's song: Aber Heidschi Bumbeidschi

Find out more at www.eu-songbook.org