The National Anthem

The anthem overseas

Five non-british variants Beethoven 7 Variations on ‘God Save the King’

As the Napoleonic Wars started, Beethoven wished ‘to show the English what a blessing they have in God Save the King’.

Paganini Variations on ‘God Save the King’, Op. 9

The legendary violinist-composer wrote this showcase of dazzling virtuosity two years before he wowed British audiences for the first time.

Debussy Hommage à S. Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C. from Préludes, Book II

The Anglophile Debussy references the anthem at the start of this deft portrait of one of Charles Dickens’s best-loved characters.

Ives Variations on ‘America’ The teenage Charles Ives wrote this high-spirited organ work in the 1890s, giving its premiere himself at a New York Methodist church to celebrate Independence Day. Rautavaara

‘Queen Victoria’ from True and False Unicorn

In his ‘tapestry for voices’, Rautavaara (above) includes this movement in which the national anthem melody features in an attempt by Victoria to lure the Unicorn – symbolic of the creative artist – into the bosom of British society.