Musica Militar

 

Musica militar, or military music, is an art that has served for centuries as a means of inciting courage in soldiers and replacing fear with enthusiasm. It is a means of transmitting orders, setting the pace during manoeuvres or at the barracks, and bringing harmony to daily life. Its task is to arouse the emotions of soldiers at the front, far from their homes, by expressing their patriotism and by encouraging them to fight to defend their homeland and their values.

The history of musical instruments used in the armed forces dates back to Antiquity, with sound signals conveying regulated orders – for example "entry," "charge" and "chamade" (intention to surrender) - sounded on drums, fifes or bugles. This musical form of communication, also known as celeustic music, lasted until the modern era.

In the era of professional armies, the repertoire of military music, whose main objective was to communicate information, became increasingly complex. As a result, it gradually separated from the signaling functions of music. A flurry of inventions brought about brass instruments with keys or valves, which allowed them to play the notes in the overtone series that were previously only possible on woodwinds. This led to a gradual separation of the mellow melodies that were used for signalling from the louder, more harmonious melodies used by military orchestras.

At the same time, the army was Musica militar becoming a conscription army, which made military service obligatory for young men. The music played by the bands and orchestras was used to encourage the combatants and to mark ceremonial events.

In this context, the pas redouble, which consists of two distinct pieces played without any interruption, was largely inspired by the minuet, a social dance of French origin that had become popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. The second piece played by the military band is a march, typically a polonaise or an air, based on a theme or melody.

Military orchestras began to expand with the addition of instruments that were more resistant to rough climate conditions, such as clarions and cornets. The instrument invented by Adolphe Sax, the saxhorn and saxophone, also came into use. Improvements in transmission technology led to a gradual restriction of the calls that conveyed orders, as well as a transition of these “sounds of war,” as they were designated in the Middle Ages, towards martial music.

Today, musica militar is still performed by army bands and orchestras, both in concert halls and on the battlefield. These are typically composed of professional musicians called field musicians, who can be distinguished by their uniforms and the instruments they play. The music is often accompanied by a regimental flag and has a clear connection with national pride. It is played at all official occasions, such as the posting of the national colors or the saluting of a civilian government leader. It is also heard during the military parades at public celebrations. The musical honors awarded to a Vice President, for example, are accompanied by Ruffles and Flourishes followed by Hail Columbia.