Norges Skaal
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Article ImagesNorges Skaal (English: Norway’s Toast) was written in 1771 by Johan Nordahl Brun in Copenhagen during the period when Norway was in a personal union with Denmark, as a drinking song for the Norwegian literary society in Copenhagen.
English: Norway’s Toast | |
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Music sheet of Norges Skaal | |
Former unofficial national anthem of Norway | |
Lyrics | Johan Nordahl Brun |
Music | Ernest Modeste Grétry, 1771 |
Adopted | 1782 |
Relinquished | 1820 |
Audio sample | |
Norges Skaal |
“Norges Skaal” (also sometimes referred to as “For Norge, Kiæmpers Fødeland” from the first line of the song) was banned by Danish-Norwegian officials in 1772 when it was first performed, and it gained popularity in the early 1800s when Norwegian nationalism was increasing. It quickly gained a reputation as being anti-Danish and revolutionary, and was referred to as "the Norwegian Marseillaise". It was first published in 1782, and was an unofficial national anthem of Norway from then on and beyond.[1]
For Norge, Kiæmpers Fødeland,
Hver tapper Helt, blandt Klipper fød,
En Skaal for Dig, min kjække Ven,
Og nok en Skaal for Norges Fjeld, |
For Norway, birthplace of warriors,
Each brave hero, among cliffs born,
A toast to you, my handsome friend,
And yet a toast to Norway’s mountains, |