第 48 至 51 題為題組
During the past three hundred years, when a country gains its freedom or independence, one of the
first things established is a national anthem. National anthems are generally played and sung at formal state
occasions and other events which celebrate or support the country’s national identity.
Holland’s 16th-century hymn “Het Wilhelmus” is widely considered the world’s oldest national
anthem, followed by the U.K.’s “God Save the King/Queen”—also a hymn, popularized in the 1740s. As
nationalism spread throughout Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, so did anthems. Many countries, such
as the independent states that are today part of Germany, took “God Save the King/Queen” as a model and
adopted hymns (songs of prayer typically addressed to a deity or VIP). Others, notably Spain and France,
chose marches (songs with a strong, regular rhythm often performed by military bands)—which expressed
a martial rather than monarchic spirit. With imperialism, Europeans spread their musical taste. Even when
former colonies gained independence, they often imitated the traditions of their former rulers. The result is
that most anthems are either hymns or marches, played on European instruments.
Japan’s anthem makes for a good case study of European influence. In the 1860s a British bandmaster
living in Japan, John William Fenton, noted that the country did not have a national anthem. A local military
officer, Ōyama Iwao, selected the lyrics from a Heian era poem and Fenton wrote the melody. About a
decade later, a Japanese committee chose a replacement melody by a court musician—one that had been
composed for traditional Japanese instruments, but in a mixed style influenced by Fenton’s arrangement.
The version in use today was also altered by German Franz Eckert to fit a Western scale.
In addition to hymns and marches, British composer Michael Bristow identifies a couple of more
minor categories. National anthems in South and Central America are often operatic, with long, elaborate
orchestral introductions. These were influenced by 19th-century Italian opera. Burma and Sri Lanka are
both in a folk group, as they rely more on indigenous instruments. 【題組】51. What can be inferred about the influence of European imperialism on national anthems?
(A) Human rights are a common theme in national anthems.
(B) National anthems of some countries share similar musical features.
(C) Many national anthems were chosen by ruling European countries.
(D) Local traditions were excluded in the composition of national anthems.
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