Many national anthems were written by famous composers whose works have become an integral part of their countries’ cultural heritage. Let us consider some of them:
France’s national anthem, “La Marseillaise.”
“Marseillaise” is one of the most famous anthems of Europe. In 1792, military engineer Claude Joseph Rouget de Lille, while in Strasbourg, wrote the music and lyrics of this song, which was originally called “Military March of the Army of the Rhine”. It was later called “La Marseillaise” and became the anthem of the French Republic. The song epitomizes the spirit of revolution, the struggle for freedom and popular ideals. It was officially adopted in 1795 and remains the anthem of France to this day.
The German anthem is the “Song of the German Song”
The melody of the German anthem was written by the great composer Franz Joseph Haydn. In 1797, he created a piece of music that later became the basis for the German anthem. The song, originally used as a piece of music for the Austrian Empire, acquired its final text and form later. In 1922, it was officially adopted as Germany’s national anthem. In 1952, after World War II, the anthem was revised and the text was changed to lyrics emphasizing Germany’s unity rather than its imperial past.
The United States anthem is “The Star Spangled Banner.”
The music of the United States anthem was written by composer John Stafford Smith in 1780. The text was added later, in 1814, after Francis Scott Key suggested a poem inspired by the events of the U.S. War of Independence. Inspired by watching the British attack on Fort McHenry, he wrote the poem that became the basis for the anthem. The anthem was officially adopted in 1931, and has been a symbol of U.S. freedom and independence ever since.
Japan’s anthem is “Kimi ga yo.”
The melody of the Japanese anthem is based on a folk song, and the text was written by the poet Otomo no Yakamochi in the 8th century. The anthem was officially adopted in 1880, and has been a symbol of the Japanese nation ever since. The text of the anthem speaks of the long-awaited rule of the Japanese emperors and the maintenance of peace in the country. Interestingly, the music of the anthem was created not so much for expressiveness, but to symbolically express the connection between the people and the emperor.
These examples demonstrate how the works of famous composers have become symbols of national identity and pride for their countries. The music of the anthem not only reflects cultural and historical traditions, but also inspires citizens to patriotism, unity, and love for their homeland.
