Meaning of Anthem in Music
An anthem in music refers to a song or hymn that is associated with a particular group, cause, or nation. It is often used as a symbol of unity, pride, and celebration. The term "anthem" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
According to Merriam-Webster, an anthem is defined as "a song or hymn of praise or gladness". In the context of choral music, an anthem is a choral composition with English words, commonly used in Anglican and other religious settings. In this sense, it refers to a specific form of liturgical music that originated in English-speaking churches around 1550. Unlike the originally Roman Catholic "motet," which sets a Latin text, an anthem uses English language words.
An anthem can also be a national anthem, which is a musical composition that represents a particular country. National anthems are often used to evoke a sense of patriotism and unity among the citizens of a nation. They typically feature lyrics that express national pride, values, and history. Examples of national anthems include "The Star-Spangled Banner" for the United States, "God Save the Queen" for the United Kingdom, and "La Marseillaise" for France.
In addition to national anthems, there are also anthems that are associated with specific causes or groups. These anthems are often characterized by their inspirational and motivational qualities. They aim to evoke a sense of unity, empowerment, and shared purpose among the individuals who identify with the cause or group. Examples of such anthems include "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson.
It's important to note that the term "anthem" can be subjective and open to interpretation. Different people may have different criteria for what they consider to be an anthem. Some may focus on the lyrical content, while others may emphasize the musical qualities or the emotional impact of a song.
In summary, an anthem in music refers to a song or hymn that represents a particular group, cause, or nation. It can be a choral composition used in religious settings, a national anthem representing a country, or an inspirational song associated with a specific cause or group. The term "anthem" is often used to describe songs that evoke a sense of unity, pride, and celebration.
References: 'Anthem Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster' 'Anthem | Choral Composition | Britannica' 'Anthem - Wikipedia' 'terminology - What makes a song an anthem? - Music Fans Stack...' 'Lift Every Voice and Sing | NAACP' 'French national anthem: what are the lyrics and translation of La...' 'Anthem - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com' 'Jordan Peele's Us: Composer Michael Abels explains Anthem...' 'Rachel Platten Explains the Real Story Behind Her Hit 'Fight Song...'
A choral setting of an English religious text similar to a motet, usually used in church with or without organ accompaniment.
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