VIDEO: Flash mob plays 'Ode to Joy' in Sabadell square
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- Written by Fran Lucientes
For six minutes a flash mob of accomplished musicians captivated a public square in Sabadell (near Barcelona) one Saturday evening last May. -- A number of videographers were stationed to record the event.[1] -- BACKGROUND: The text of Ode an die Freude was written in 1785 (and revised in 1803) by Schiller; Beethoven completed the Ninth Symphony in 1824. -- The music was adopted as the Anthem of Europe in 1972 and the European Community in 1985 (the European Community became the European Union in 1995). -- The text of the poem, with a translation, can be viewed here. -- "Alle Menschen werden Brüder, (1785 version: Bettler werden Fürstenbrüder) / Wo Dein sanfter Flügel weilt." ('All men become brothers [1785 version: Beggars become princes' brothers] / Where your [i.e. joy's] gentle wing lingers.') ...
TRANSLATION: Jean-Luc Mélenchon unbowed after results of Round 1 of France's présidentielles
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- Written by Mark Jensen
Jean-Luc Mélenchon had set a goal of finishing ahead of the Front National's Marine Le Pen in the first round of France's presidential election. -- He garnered only 11% to her 18%. -- But after the results were announced Sunday evening, he was unbowed in remarks to supporters in the place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad (Paris 10e & 19e), which are translated in toto below.[1] ...
VIDEO / TRANSLATION: Jean-Luc Mélenchon in Marseille, April 14, 2012
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- Written by Mark Jensen
More than 100,000 supporters gathered on one of Marseille's beaches on Saturday to hear Front de gauche presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, whose progress has been the surprise of the campaign. -- Below is a translation of everything he said.[1] ...