Spain national anthem

History

HistoryThe National Anthem of Spain is 'Marcha Real' ('Royal March'). Its origin is disputed. There are those who claim that it was composed by a German and that King Frederick the Great handed it in 1770 as a gift for King Carlos III to Count Aranda who had come to Berlin to study the organization of the Prussian army. By royal decree of September 3 1770, it was officially recognised as a 'March of Honour'.

According to another tradition the tune was originally French and was brought to Spain by King Philip V. It became popular under the name of 'Marcha Grenadere'. Then, under King Carlos III, the court oboist Espinosa reset it for military orchestras after the model of the type of march in vogue under King Frederick the Great. It is rather slow - about sixty paces a minute - and makes a solemn rather than a fiery impression.

It is interesting to note that in 1870 King Amadeo I invited public competition for a Spanish National Anthem. The prize he offered was considerable, but none of the 447 contestants was crowned with success, and the old royal march remained in force. It is strange that it shows no trace of Spanish folklore, but in its simplicity and especially through its somewhat archaic concluding phrases it is the musical symbol of the grandeza of the Spanish people.

In July 1942, General Franco issued a decree declaring it as the National Anthem.

There are no official words, though various writers have written verses at different times, namely EDUARDO MARQUINA (1879-1946) during King Alfonso XIII's reign and JOSÉ MARÍA PEMÁN (1897-1981) during General Franco's dictatorship.

Spanish national anthem - winner of lyric competition

Viva Espana!Cantemos todos juntoscon distinta vozy un solo corazon.

Viva Espana!Desde los verdes vallesal inmenso mar,un himno de hermandad.

Ama a la Patriapues sabe abrazar,bajo su cielo azul,pueblos en libertad.

Gloria a los hijosque a la Historia danjusticia y grandezademocracia y paz.

Spanish national anthem - English translation

Long live Spain!Let us all sing togetherwith different voicesand one heart.

Long live Spain!From the green valleysto the vast seaa hymn of brotherhood.

Love the fatherlandas it knows how to embraceunder its blue skypeoples in freedom.

Glory to its childrenwho to History givejustice and grandeurdemocracy and peace.

Where is Spain

How many times has Spain been in RWC

12 times and have never won.

Spain's rugby jersey