Austria

Words by: Ottokar Kernstock
Music by: Joseph Haydn
In use: 1929-1938

By 1929 Austria's government hadmoved to closer ties with Germany. Therefore, it seemed natural to replace the unpopular anthem in use at the time with a new anthem, which had not only the same melody as that of Austria-Hungary (in use just 10 years previously), but also by then in use in Germany as well.) The lyrics were created by a German nationalist, poet and priest Ottokar Kernstock. The anthem words expressed the pro-German nationalist feelings and yearning of the Austrian society for union with Germany. These were in use until Austria became a part of Germany in 1938, where the lyrics were probably replaced with those of Germany.

Special thanks to: Pavel Zinovatny for some of this information as well as the lyrics and to Klaus Caussmacher for the sheet music.

See also: Austria-Hungary, Austria (1920-1929), Austria (1947-).