What is a march? Musical genre, examples of works

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The march is primarily associated with the organized movement of troops. Most often, such processions are accompanied by music. This helps to synchronize the movement of the soldiers. Therefore, the corresponding musical genre is also called a march.

The origin of the genre

The answer to the question of what a march is should be sought in the history of those times when this genre was just taking shape. The first beginnings of such music can be found in antiquity. In ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, the movement of troops was necessarily accompanied by music. This helped to maintain the morale of the soldiers. That is why marches in their sound are most often cheerful and energetic, because they must set up the rank and file and officers. This formula has not changed since ancient times.

What is a march? It is also a musical harmony that allows the soldiers to walk in sync with each other. It was in this capacity that marches were revived in the late Middle Ages in Europe. Prior to this, a marching song performed a similar function. In modern times, drums and flutes became the main musical instruments with which marches were performed. With their help, it was easiest to get the necessary rhythm. What is a march for the army? This is a strictly applied genre, necessary for better organizationmilitary campaigns. However, over time, he became popular in everyday life.

The appearance of the march in Russia

Academic composers of the 18th century began to incorporate this musical genre into more complex works such as concertos, suites, and symphonies. This helped open the march to an even wider audience. Such innovative composers were Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Mahler and Frederic Chopin.

Thanks to its popularity in Europe, the march also penetrated Russia. This happened in the era of Peter I. The Tsar tried to modernize the domestic army completely according to the Western model. Therefore, not only the form and order were adopted, but also the musical accompaniment. The elite St. Petersburg regiments immediately received their own march. Over time, this tradition spread to other army formations. Before that, no one in Russia knew about the benefits that military music brings with it. The march became a revelation.

Farewell of the Slav

At the beginning of the 20th century, one of the most famous Russian marches appeared - "Farewell of the Slav". In 1912, this work was written by trumpeter Vasily Agapkin. He was inspired by the First Balkan War.

“March of the Slav” has a recognizable simple melody, thanks to which it has become almost one of the national symbols of Russia. He is also known abroad. The work is often used in Western films as an attribute of the Soviet or Russian army.

"March of the Slav" got its name as a sign of that heavythe fate that is in store for all the wives and mothers who escorted their men to the front. Interestingly, the original version of the piece of music did not include lyrics. All poems appeared later, when the melody became extremely popular in the Russian army.

In 1915 the first records of the march were released. It was at this time that the First World War was going on. The troops, like air, needed "spiritual" music, under which it would not be scary to go to the front. This is exactly what this march has become.

The melody was not forgotten even in Soviet times, although it was not unreasonably perceived by many as a symbol of the tsarist era. Until now, there is a lively debate about whether the “Farewell of the Slav” was performed at the fateful parade on November 7, 1941, when troops were sent to defend the approaches of the capital from Nazi troops.

In modern Russia, under this march, branded trains, as well as recruits who leave their homes to serve in the army.

Mendelssohn March

In 1842, the German composer Felix Mendelssohn wrote his most famous march, which eventually became an international symbol of wedding celebrations and marriage. Initially, according to the author's intention, the work was part of the concert overture "A Midsummer Night's Dream", the basis for which was the comedy of the English playwright William Shakespeare. The Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm became the direct inspirer of this considerable work, having ordered a full-fledged suite from the composer.

But over time, Mendelssohn's march became self-sufficient andlived his life. This is a prime example of how the genre has broken away from its military roots. From its predecessors, Mendelssohn's work received a recognizable structure and rhythm, but there was nothing militaristic in this music.

Radetzky March

Classic military marches are also famous around the world. For example, such a fate was prepared for the work of Johann Strauss Sr., written in 1848. His "March of Radzek" became a dedication to the field marshal who saved the Austrian monarchy from the Hungarian national revolution. It was not only a piece of music, but also a vivid expression of loy alty to the imperial power. At this time, the famous composer was experiencing an ideological conflict with his son (also a composer), who supported the rebels and performed the Marseillaise on the barricades.

The Radetzky March was an unprecedented success. It soon became a mandatory attribute of the Austrian army. It was often performed on the fronts of the First World War to raise the morale of the troops. This is energetic and strict music. The march can still be heard today in Vienna, which is still considered the world capital of classical academic genres.

Compositional features

Besides its applied features, any march is also distinguished by recognizable compositional features. It is a measured pace and a clear structure. Composers who write marches try to avoid liberties and excessive improvisation, because in this case it is difficult for the troops to follow the rhythm. Often structurethe whole work is based on drumming, and it is the percussion instruments that become the reference point for the listeners.

To accurately describe what a march is, it is also necessary to mention several of its types. These are works written specifically for parades, military march, as well as column formation. All of them have their own dimensions and are written according to certain patterns. Another common type of march is mourning. It is performed at funerals and solemn burials. It has a mournful melody.