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National Anthem of Colombia
Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia (National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia) is the official name of the national anthem of Colombia. Some times it is also referred by the first verse: Oh Gloria Inmarcesible! ("O Unfading Glory!"), however this name is neither official nor in common use in Colombia.
History
In 1887, Jose Domingo Torres, combined his two passions of theatrical music and his love for his country to push for the creation of a national anthem for Colombia. He decided to use as the lyrics of the anthem an inspirational poem written by the then President Rafael Nunez commemorating the city of Cartagena, and asked his friend Oreste Sindici, an Italian opera teacher, to compose the music. (One common characteristic of Latin American epic anthems such as Colombia's is that the music often resembles Italian operas.) The anthem, containing eleven verses in total, was first performed in November of that year in a music hall in the public school where Sindici taught. The anthem was officially adopted by Congress in 1920, and an official transcription was made in 1946.
Usage
By law, radio and TV broadcasts must play the national anthem at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM in the following manner: Chorus, first verse* and chorus once again. This is also how it is customarily performed in all public, sports, political, and other official events.
Although the first verse is usually sung in between choruses, any of the eleven verses may be used. The anthem must be played chorus-verse-chorus regardless of which verse is selected.
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article National Anthem of Colombia
