Germania (Beethoven)

"Germania", WoO 93, is a patriotic song by Ludwig van Beethoven written in order to celebrate the victory against Napoleon.
History.
During and after the defeat of Napoleon during the Wars of Liberation, German patriotism flourished and spurred the production of poems, plays, and songs exalting the nation. Among these German artists who contributed to the glorification of their country was Friedrich Treitschke. In 1814, he wrote a patriotic opera, "Die gute Nachricht", to which several Viennese composers contributed music. Beethoven composed the music for the closing song, in B-flat major, celebrating Germania, the allegory of Germany. The work was first performed on 11 April 1814 in the Theater am Kärntnertor in Vienna. It is written for a baritone solo (the role of Bruno), SATB chorus, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 French horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, and a string section.
Beethoven's own patriotic motivation is illustrated in the following letter he wrote about his participation in a charity concert for the soldiers of the preceding war:
Other patriotic works.
Besides "Germania", Beethoven also set other patriotic songs to music, for example "Des Kriegers Abschied" and "Abschiedsgesang an Wiens Bürger".