Wednesday 5 October 2011
Tune of the Day: Marcha Real
National anthem of Spain
The Spanish Marcha Real (“Royal March”) is one of the oldest anthems in the world. It first appeared in print as La Marcha Granadera (“March of the Grenadiers”) in the early 1760s, and in 1770 it was selected by King Carlos III to be the official “Honour March” for the Sovereigns and the Royal Family, played at public and ceremonial events. The melody shows no trace of Spanish folk music and it might originally have come from France or Germany; according to some sources, it might even have been composed by Frederick the Great of Prussia.
This is also one of the few national anthems in the world to have no official lyrics, although words have been written and used for it in the past.
Thanks to Uygar for suggesting this tune!