The "" (), also known by its incipit "Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba" (), is the longest national anthem in terms of duration with 105 bars of music.Facts About National Anthems National Anthems of the World When performed in its entirety, the anthem lasts about four-and-a-half to six minutes, although nowadays only the chorus is sung (intro included) on most occasions, such as before sporting events.

Its martial lyrics were written by the Uruguayan poet Francisco Acuña de Figueroa in 1830, who also wrote the lyrics for Paraguay's national anthem, "Paraguayos, República o Muerte". The lyrics were officially declared the national anthem in July 1833. Several proposed musical settings failed to gain public support. The Rossini-inspired music that eventually became universally associated with the anthem was composed by the Hungarian-born composer Francisco José Debali, with the assistance of Fernando Quijano, a Uruguayan actor and musician. A few days after the first performance in July 1845, Debali's score was officially recognized as the music for the anthem. As with other South American national anthems, the music was inspired by the local popularity of Italian opera. It includes several references to La Cenerentola and other operas by Rossini, as well as a direct musical quotation from Lucrezia Borgia by Gaetano Donizetti.

The French composer Camille Saint-Saëns is sometimes erroneously credited with having composed the music: although he was requested to write a hymn to celebrate the national independence day, his composition never became the national anthem.

History

The Uruguayan poet Francisco Acuña de Figueroa, who also wrote the lyrics for Paraguay's national anthem "Paraguayos, República o Muerte", was responsible for the martial lyrics. On 8 July 1833, Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba was officially recognized as Uruguay's national anthem.History about the Anthem of Uruguay Embassy of Uruguay in Argentina

Several proposed musical settings of Figueroa's lyrics failed to gain public support. One of the discarded settings was by the Spanish-born composer Antonio Sáenz. A proposed melody by the Italian composer Francesco Casale became the basis for the music of the Paraguay national anthem.

The Rossini-inspired music that eventually became universally associated with the anthem was composed by the Hungarian-born composer Francisco José Debali, with the assistance of Fernando Quijano, a Uruguayan actor and musician. The score was first performed on 19 July 1845, and it was officially recognized as the music for the anthem on 25 July 1848.

Music

As with every other South American national anthem, the music was inspired by the local popularity of Italian opera. The full 105-bar version of the anthem evokes an operatic scena e aria for soloist and chorus (almost in solita forma manner, with a cabaletta-like conclusion). Debali had conducted in many productions of operas by Gioachino Rossini and Gaetano Donizetti in Montevideo, and during the course of the anthem he makes several musical references to Rossini's La Cenerentola, as well as to Largo al factotum from The Barber of Seville, and to a chorus from Semiramide. A further passage is clearly borrowed from the ending of the Prologue of Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia.

Of note, the music for the Uruguayan national anthem is sometimes erroneously attributed to Camille Saint-Saëns. It is true that during a visit to Uruguay in April 1916 Saint-Saëns was commissioned to write a hymn to celebrate the national independence day. However, circumstances prevented the work, Partido colorado,Ratner, Sabina Teller. "Saint-Saëns, Camille: Life", Grove Music Online, Oxford University Press. Retrieved 30 November 2022 from becoming the national anthem.

Lyrics Lyrics as sung Spanish originalEnglish translation𝄆 Easterners, the Fatherland or the grave! Freedom or with glory we die! 𝄇 It is the vow that the soul pronounces, and which, heroically we will fulfill! 𝄆 It is the vow that the soul pronounces, and which, heroically we will fulfill! 𝄇 Which we will fulfill! 𝄆 We will fulfill! 𝄇 We will fulfill!

I 𝄆 Freedom, Freedom, Easterners! This cry saved the fatherland. Which her brave warriors, in fierce battles With sublime enthusiasm fill´d. 𝄇 From this sacred gift the glory we deserved Tyrants: Tremble! 𝄆 Tyrants: Tremble! 𝄇 Freedom in combat we shall cry out! And dying, Freedom too! Freedom in combat we shall cry out! 𝄆 And dying, Freedom too! 𝄇 𝄆 Freedom too! 𝄇

Full lyrics Spanish originalEnglish translation𝄆 Easterners, the Fatherland or the grave! Liberty or with glory we die! 𝄇 𝄆 It is the vow that the soul pronounces, and which, heroically we will fulfill! 𝄇 𝄆 It is the vow that the soul pronounces, and which, heroically we will fulfill! 𝄇

I Freedom, Freedom, Easterners! This cry saved the fatherland. That his bravery in fierce battles Of sublime enthusiasm enflamed. This sacred gift, of glory we've deserved: tyrants tremble! Freedom in battle we'll cry, And in dying, freedom we'll shout!

II Iberia worlds dominated He wore his haughty power, And their captive plants lay The East nameless be But suddenly his irons chopping Given the dogma that May inspired Among free despots fierce A bridge saw pit.

III His billet chain guns, On his chest shield in battle, In his superb courage trembled The feudal champions of the Cid In the valleys, mountains and jungles Are undertaken with silent pride, With fierce rumbling roar The caves and the sky at once.

IV The roar that sounded out from Atahualpa as the tomb opened, And furiously clapping hands, His skeleton "Revenge!" shouted. Patriots hearing the echo Are electrified with martial fire, The more brilliantly to illuminate By the Incas, the immortal God.

V Long, and with varying fortune, The freedman battled, and Lord, Disputing the bloody earth Inch-by-inch with blind fury. Justice finally overcomes. Tamed is the wrath of a king; And to the world the indomitable Homeland Begins teaching rule of law.

VI Easterners, look at the flag, Shining crucible of heroism; Our spears defend its brightness. No one insults the image of the sun! In the enjoyment of civil rights let us uphold them; may our faithful Code Be venerated, as timeless and glorious As the holy ark of Israel.

VII For your glory to be higher, And Shine your price and power, Three crowns, oh Fatherland, were Your domain enjoy, and lose. Freedom, freedom adored Much treasure unparalleled slopes! But they are worth your joys divine That blood that irrigates your altar

VIII If a barbarian people agitated, Removing his late fury Avoid fratricidal strife, Ten thousand tombs recall the horror! Heaven thunders storms, curses upon him, And the triumphant worship free the law to rich jewel.

IX Shining adorned with laurels The pride of the South Amazon, In his bronze shield reflect Fortaleza, justice and virtue. Enemies will not humiliate the front Neither foot oppressors imposed That sealed his record troubles And baptism of blood in their faith.

X Celebrating the glory and the day Of the sun of this new republic With glimpses of purple and gold, Decks your beautiful glow. The August dome of Olympus Shines, and a divine being With stars in the heavens writes, Sweet Fatherland, your name immortal.

XI The law to swear to Numen Equality, patriotism and unity, Sacrificing their divine order Blind hatred, and black ambition. And find that insulting fierce The greatness of the Eastern People, For the enemies, the spear of Mars, For the tyrants the dagger of Brutus!

𝄆 Easterners, the Fatherland or the grave, Liberty or with glory, we die! 𝄇 𝄆 Is the vote that the soul pronounces, And which, heroically we will fulfill! 𝄇 We will fulfill! Is the vote that the soul pronounces, And which, heroically we will fulfill!

Notes

References

External links

Uruguayan national anthem streaming audio, lyrics and info