The Netherlands has perhaps the oldest national anthem in the world: Het Wilhelmus. It has been sung since around 1570, nowadays mainly at sporting events and on King's Day. But what did this song sound like 450 years ago? And do we still sing it the same way?
The text of the national anthem covers many topics, such as religion, war and leadership. We look at the text in more detail on one of those topics, namely leadership. Het Wilhelmus had the same function 450 years ago as many social media do today. This song was to help William of Orange gain 'followers' in the Revolt against the Spanish king. But how?
This documentary is part of the project HowToWilhelmus (www⁠.howtowilhelmus.nl) and was made in a collaboration between Nationale Opera & Ballet, Utrecht University and the Meertens Institute, with financial support from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research and contributions from the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Camerata Trajectina, Musick's Monument Vocal Ensemble and SLO, national expertise centre for curriculum development.
The documentary How To Wilhelmus was produced by Dyzlo Film. Individuals and organisations who believe they may derive rights from the material used in the documentary and on the website should contact Nationale Opera & Ballet.
For all questions and comments: info@howtowilhelmus.nl.