It seems only music scholars are critical when there are variations to a song. National anthems are not only played but sung but different artists, and each gives it thier personal interpretation. One only needs to listen to American singers belting out the Star-Spangled Banner at the US Superbowl ceremonies. Whitney Houston certainly sang it differently from Christina Aguilera.

After carefully listening to it once again, I have not noticed anything special, except that it doesn't last 90 seconds but only 56 (from minute 0:58 to 1:54 in the NOS.nl video).

I prefer the old Wilhemus thank you.

Hereunder is a link to a YouTube video (HmJHHp3Q1Hw), originally released by the UK Foreign Office, documenting how the national anthems were rearranged and recorded at the Abbey Road for the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Apparently, there was a approval procedure by each government. So, I assume at least the Dutch government was happy with the new Wilhelmus. Not the new arrangement but I personally find the lyrics a bit outdated. No offense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmJHHp3Q1Hw

Ummm. A link to the music would be helpful eh?

I find the Dutch National Anthem odd anyway, it is about Spain (Willem orange) and being of German Blood, after WWII I would have thought that the Dutch would like to stand for themselves and not praise the Spanish or Germans! Odd !

het Wilhelmus should stay as it has allways been for us who live in foreign contries t get a feel of home but mostly it is oldfashioned because our country is old and we should be very proud of that i for one am always bragging that my hometown has buildings over 600 years old it makes me feel proud

While there is controversy, perhaps it may be a good time to launch a push to keep the tune, but change the Lyrics. It would be nice to hear a version of the Wilhelmus that says I am proud to be Dutch rather than one that claims to be every nationality other than Dutch.

Classical music; music that comes from a particular period 1750-1830 ish. Back to school for the scholars because this anthem does not fit the definition if it was recorded this year.

Since closing the 'Happy Station Show' with Tom Myers I have liked the tune of the Dutch National Anthem, but when I saw the English translation of the words, I thought it was a bit strange praising the king of another country, namely Spain.

Well, I think we will only hear it that one time anyway, so no need to worry!

It sounds better than the dirge that's usually played.

I think it would be a good idea that people who have no idea why a 16th century poem is as it is, stay quiet, instead of writing insulting comments.

If it's any comfort to you in the Netherlands, the London 2012 "God Save The Queen" is also pretty bizarre to my ears!

I heard about this on BBC Radio 4's PM programme. They played both versions for comparison and I liked both - although I found the old version a bit "heavy". At least they didn't do a musical version of the fiasco with the Korean flags and play someone else's anthem!