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La Marseillaise

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La Marseillaise is the national anthem of France.

Marseillaise-page1
Marseillaise-page1

A man named Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle wrote it in 1792. He lived in a city called Strasbourg. At that time, France was at war with Austria. The Mayor of Strasbourg asked him to write a song. He wanted to rally soldiers to defend their land.

Originally, the song had a different name. It was called the "War Song for the Army of the Rhine." The song got its famous nickname later. This happened when volunteers from Marseille sang it in Paris.

Pils rouget lisle chantant marseillaise mb (Musée)
Pils rouget lisle chantant marseillaise mb (Musée)

These singers were called fédérés. The song has a loud and stirring melody. It helped unite citizens through its patriotic lyrics.

Many famous musicians have used the tune. Hector Berlioz made an arrangement for a chorus and orchestra. Franz Liszt wrote a version for the piano. Even jazz bands played it during World War I.

The song was once banned in France. However, it was brought back many times. It has remained the national anthem since 1879.

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La Marseillaise (1907).webm
File:Marseillaise-page1.png
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