Get out the popcorn. It's November.

Continuing my plan of keeping the programme varied, today we will listen to more music. This time, though, it's a pure classic. You know this one, and I hope you love it as much as I do. After all, it's the European continent's very own anthem.

Today's Short Subject: Speaking of the European anthem: how in the world do you sing it? In German or in English? (As the Lutheran theologian said when quizzed as to whether God really said, 'Let there be light?') In the US, we're used to singers forgetting the horrible lyrics to our national anthem – 'rockets' red glare', indeed – but here is a brilliant rendition by that great operatic singer, Rowan Atkinson. His version of the lyrics should be definitive. He is to be praised for not using the word 'sauerkraut' in there.

And now for some serious stuff.

Today's Feature Film: Here's the 1989 Celebration Christmas Concert from Berlin. Leonard Bernstein conducted this gala. The setting is historic and festive, and the international musical ensemble is impressive. It's beautiful: save it for a holiday evening when you're in the mood for something special.

And before you complain that Bernstein had no right to change the word 'Freude' to 'Freiheit', keep this in mind: Schiller the poet originally wrote 'Freiheit', freedom. He changed it to get past the censors of his day. So this is really a celebration of freedom in all senses of the word.

We need some more of that, these days. May there be more freedom, and more joy, in all our lives in the coming weeks.