HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF BOLIVIA - HISTORY - 2025

The history of the Bolivian National Anthem recalls the enormous sacrifices it cost its heroes to achieve independence and freedom for their country.

The "Patriotic Song" of the Plurinational State of Bolivia is a march in 4/4 time that is popularly performed on 8/12.

For Bolivians, their National Anthem represents the highest expression of patriotic sentiment, pride in their identity. November 18, 1997 was institutionalized as the National Anthem Day.

With this, it was ordered that at noon of each anniversary the entire country be paralyzed to sing its notes.

History

The history of the National Anthem of Bolivia dates back to 1841, after the battle of Ingavi that consolidated the independence and sovereignty of Bolivia.

General José Ballivián, president of the nation at that time, noticed that the small army bands interpreted Spanish marches and popular pieces.

These pieces performed did not represent the civic spirit and patriotic fervor of the Bolivians and the idea and need for a national song arose in the president.

Music

Ballivián learned of the presence in Chile of the famous Italian composer Leopoldo Benedetto Vincenti, for which he arranged what was necessary to coordinate a meeting with the teacher. This is how he proposed a contract to compose the music for the National Anthem.

In September 1845 Vincenti settled in La Paz to carry out the composition rehearsal. This work was arduous and exhausting since the martial bands were at a very low level.

The letter

Many texts were submitted to Vincenti's consultation for the conformation of the letter and most were rejected.

Finally, the lawyer and poet José Ignacio Sanjinés presented him with his verses. These were approved by the demanding composer and were established as the formal lyrics of the hymn.

The premiere of the "Patriotic Song"

On November 18, 1845, on the occasion of the celebration of the anniversary of the Battle of Ingavi, two extraordinary events were prepared.

The first in the Cathedral of the Plaza Murillo, in front of the Government Palace, in which the intonation of the vibrant notes of the "Patriotic Song" took place at 12 noon for the first time.

The interpretation was in charge of 90 instrumentalists belonging to the military bands of the 5th, 6th and 8th battalions.

The second act was held during the night, and it was the opening of the Municipal Theater of La Paz.

There the President of the Republic, his cabinet, the other government authorities and the public of La Paz, gathered to enjoy a lyrical musical program.

The central point of the program was the official premiere of the "Patriotic Song", the name that was initially conferred on the Anthem.

In charge of Dr. Sanjinés was the explanation of the lyrics, which was interpreted by an 8-voice choir accompanied by an orchestra led by maestro Vincenti himself.

The officialization of the National Anthem

In 1851, Manuel Isidoro Belzu issued the supreme decree that made the Bolivian National Anthem official, which was printed and distributed in schools and official bodies.

References

1. Bolivia. History of the Hymn. (sf). Retrieved on December 20, 2017 from: serviciosbolivia.blogspot.com.
2. National Anthem of Bolivia Celebrates 163 years of Creation. (November 18, 2008). In: hoybolivia.com.
3. National Anthem of Bolivia. (sf). Retrieved on December 20, 2017 from: educa.com.bo.
4. National Anthem of Bolivia. (November 24, 2017). In: es.wikipedia.org.
5. History of the National Anthem of Bolivia. (2011, August 9). In: opinion.com.bo.