By Emmanuel Gandu
HIGHLIGHTS
√ Introduction
√ Beginning of church anthems in the world
√ Church anthems in Nigeria
√ Elements of an anthem :
• Name
• Lyrics
• Music
• Instrumentals
√ Good luck to the composers.
INTRODUCTION
An anthem is the official song of a country, organization, or group that people sing on special occasions.
A national anthem is an expression throught music, of national pride, one that every citizen can be part of as it is being sung.
It’s an expression of the philosophy, vision and mission of a nation or organization or group.
It is meant to project publicly the patriotism, identity, dignity, resolve and pride of the country or organization.
Every nation state has a national anthem, and because anthems are part of national identity.
Just in the same manner like the flag and the coat of arms represents the physical symbol of the country or organization, the anthem represents the heartfelt vocal expression of the country or organization.
Therefore, an anthem is sung with great attention, commitment, respect, and honour to the ideals and goals set out in the charter of the country, organization, or group.
BEGINNING OF CHURCH ANTHEMS IN THE WORLD
A church anthem is a piece of music written and composed for a choral rendition by a religious group during special or normal occasions, or general purposes, or as directed by the church leadership.
Church anthems have been composed ever since King Henry VIII of England’s protracted church doctrine disagreement with the then Pope.
The failure to abide by the conditions/precept/ of the sacraments on serious church matters including marriage and divorce forced King Henry VIII to leave the Roman Catholic Church in 1534.
He went ahead and founded the English Anglican Church (Church of England).
To further prove his independence, dignity, pride, and as a form of protest, King Henry VIII composed an anthem for his church.
Ever since this introduction of church anthem by King Henry VIII, the world has been experiencing an increase in the composition of church anthems.
CHURCH ANTHEMS IN NIGERIA
Most Cathedrals or large Churces in Nigeria have their anthems. Some of them include the following :
• Redeemed Christian Church of God
• Christ Holy Church
• Christ Apostolic Church
• Celestial Church of Christ
• Foursquare Gospel Church
Interestingly, the Catholic Church is not averse to the tradition of church anthems.
However many other Christian denominations are deep into this “Church Anthem” phenomenon to such an extent that the practice have since begun to infiltrate the Catholic Church.
Consequently, some of the Catholic churches, church associations/societies etc have composed their anthems which they render at some important/official occasions.
ELEMENTS OF AN ANTHEM
In the course of its composition, the anthem is made up of :
(1) NAME
A name is the first point of reference to a person, place or thing.
A name gives an identity, and so therefore, an anthem must have a name.
All countries, groups, and churches give names to their anthems.
Nigeria’s first national anthem is titled ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ adopted on 1st October, 1960.
The second Anthem is titled ‘Arise O Compatriots’ adopted in 1978.
The Ghana national anthem is titled ‘God Bless our Home Land Ghana’ adopted in 1957.
The British National Anthem is titled ‘God Save the King’.
That of the USA is titled ‘Star – Spangled Banner’.
(2) ✍️ LYRICS
• The wordings of the anthem are carefully chosen in such a way as to reflect the philosophy, vision, hopes and aspirations of the group.
• The words are simple to understand and pronounce, yet conveying the true message of the group.
• The words are arranged in stanzas (paragraph) of short few lines with each stanza conveying a unique message theme.
• The general membership/public is often encouraged to write and send in their entries of lyrics from which the chief composer may pick from in the course of the final composition.
(3) 🎼 MUSIC
The music composer composes the song in such an artistic manner as to fit into the lyrics so as to perfectly achieve from the background of vocal harmony, rhythm, and tempo.
This harmonization is intended to give the song a rendition that would be of popular appeal to the listener.
(4) 🎹🎺 INSTRUMENTALS
Having achieved the desired blend of lyrical, vocal and rhythmical harmony, the instruments are infused within the appropriate intervals and choice of notes in order to give the anthem a scintillating melody.
Good luck to the composers.
Peace 🙏
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