National Anthem of Colombia


The "National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia" is the official name of the national anthem of Colombia. It is largely the creation of José Domingo Torres, an actor from Bogotá, who took a poem written by former Colombian president Rafael Núñez and asked a friend, Italian opera singer Oreste Sindici who migrated to Colombia, to set it to music.
The official announcement of the song came in the form of Act 33 of 28 October 1920. The law 198 of 1995, which legislates national symbols, made mandatory for all radio and television in the country to broadcast the anthem both at 6:00 am and at 6:00 pm, public addresses of the President of the Republic and other official events.

Lyrics

Instrumental introduction lyrics

During the border conflict with Peru, the soldiers who defended Colombia's national sovereignty added a new verse after the trumpet fanfare. Written specifically for that time of war, it soon fell into disuse. The words are:
According to José Antonio Amaya, elementary school students in the 1930s were taught this stanza.
The final line is very similar to a line in the national anthem of Cuba that goes, "¡Que morir por la patria es vivir!"

Usage

The anthem should be played chorus-verse-chorus. Although the first verse is usually sung between choruses, any of the eleven verses may be used. The anthem should be played chorus-verse-chorus regardless of which verse is selected. This is how it is customarily performed in all public, political, and other important events both public and private.
However, it is not uncommon for only the chorus and verse to be played without repeating the chorus. This is usually the case when brevity is sought. By law, radio and television broadcasts must play the national anthem at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, and the radio invariably uses the shorter format. The shorter anthem is also used at international events such as the Olympic Games or World Cup.
In ceremonies of the Colombian Artillery, the last verse is used instead of the first verse. The Colombian Cavalry traditionally uses the sixth verse, while the 4th verse is used by the Colombian Navy.