The Wilhelmus – National Anthem of the Netherlands

Описание: St. Michaël Thorn Wind Orchestra - Ivan Meylemans, conductor
www.harmoniethorn.nl

The Wilhelmus – National Anthem of the Netherlands

“Wilhelmus van Nassouwe,” usually known simply as “The Wilhelmus,” is the national anthem of the Netherlands. The song praises William of Orange as the leader of the uprising against the Spanish king Philip II at the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War with Spain (1568–1648). The lyrics were likely written around 1570 by Petrus Datheen. They show William of Orange torn between loyalty to Philip II and leading the Dutch in their fight for freedom. The melody is based on a 1568 Huguenot satirical song, and the fifteen verses form an acrostic spelling “Willem van Nassov.”
Although considered by the Guinness Book of Records to be the oldest national anthem in the world, it only became the official Dutch anthem in 1932. It is performed at official local, national, and international events, for example the State Opening of Parliament, sports and music competitions, royal ceremonies, and celebrations of Dutch champions.
On 8 November 2025, The Wilhelmus was performed to conclude a national concert band competition in which the St. Michael Thorn Wind Orchestra, the final performer, was the standout winner.


• Recorded on 8 November 2025 at Muziekcentrum Enschede (The Netherlands)
• Recording & editing: Studio Snippert (www.snippert.nl)