‘Ode to Ukraine’ is an instrumental arrangement weaving together melody lines from the official anthem of Europe - the ‘Ode to Joy’ from Beethoven’s 9th symphony - with those of the Ukrainian National Anthem. A piece of hopeful symbolism for Ukraine's future in the family of European nations.

Along the way the music also acknowledges the sadness and horror of the terrible war Russia is waging against Ukraine, driven by the ideological evil of a 21st century dictator; a war which by extension is also against the very notion of democracy and human rights.

The first section of 'Ode to Ukraine' introduces both anthems in restrained and plaintive fashion, allowing them to gently speak with one another. Even though the Ukrainian anthem often resolves to the relative minor, there are musical similarities to the shape of their respective phrases.

The middle section of the piece drifts into deep melancholy before evolving into sudden fury, lifting a section of ‘The Great Gate Of Kiev’ from Mussorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition as it does. This interpolation symbolises both the invasion and the historical references Putin is so fond of mentioning in a vain (and typically misleading) attempt to justify his barbarism.

But the tumult is swept aside by a strident and passionate assertion of the European and Ukrainian anthems, and in the final section their melodic lines are once more woven together, with greater complexity and vigour than before. They finish the piece in defiance and determination.

Writing this in the unforgiving reality of Feb 2024, there is clearly a long way to go for our hope to be realised. Yet Ukraine's resolve is not dimmed, for how could it be when they are facing such an existential threat? We must not let them down. We should also recognise that Putin's imperial ambitions will not be appeased.


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Ode to Ukraine will be included on a forthcoming Cherry Mint Koala album of classical crossover arrangements and reworkings of some of Mark's favourite pieces.

Earlier CMK recordings are available on the album 'Beguiling Transmissions' available here on Bandcamp. It can also be streamed/downloaded in all the usual online places and two extra tracks not cleared for Bandcamp can be found there ('Pack Up Your Troubles' and 'I Feel Love'). Recording session videos from that album are also available in a playlist on YouTube.