Guardian Readers Debate Why National Anthems Are Almost Always Orchestral
In a response column for Guardian readers, participants explored the orchestral nature of national anthems, addressing Ross Gomes' inquiry. One contributor pointed out that many anthems were created before the advent of recorded music, necessitating the use of portable instruments for large audiences. Another remarked that Niger's L'Honneur de la Patrie (2023) has a sci-fi vibe, while Syria's Fī Sabīli al-Majd (2024) offers a whimsical tone. Keith Barnes emphasized the choral harmony of anthems, noting that Britain's straightforward "God Save the King" is crafted for collective singing, contrasting it with La Marseillaise. Randomusername222 referenced Flower of Scotland, composed in the 1960s, which almost became Scotland's anthem. The discussion also introduced a query about the annoyance of children saying 'Na-na, na-na-na!'.
Key facts
- The question 'Why are national anthems almost always orchestral?' was submitted by reader Ross Gomes by email
- One reader argued longstanding anthems predate recorded and amplified music and were played outdoors or in large halls, requiring portable instruments and military bands with brass players
- Another reader said anthems pre-date the electronic and digital eras and are usually performed on traditional woodwind, stringed and drummed instruments
- Niger's L'Honneur de la Patrie (2023) was suggested as fitting a sci-fi movie theme, while Syria's still-unofficial Fī Sabīli al-Majd (2024) was described as perky and evocative of a whimsical late-1800s western caper
- Keith Barnes said anthems are usually harmonically choral with soprano, alto, tenor and bass parts, and that God Save the King uses simple monosyllabic biblical words from the King James version
- La Marseillaise, dating from the French Revolution, was identified as the first modern national anthem
- Jimi Hendrix's version of The Star Spangled Banner was cited as a better representation of the US at the time than any orchestral recital
- Flower of Scotland was written in the 1960s and narrowly failed to become the Scottish anthem in a vote of Holyrood
Entities
Artists
- Ross Gomes
- Keith Barnes
- Billy Connolly
- Jimi Hendrix
Institutions
- The Guardian
- Holyrood
Locations
- Niger
- Syria
- Britain
- Scotland
- France
- United States
- China