Story of the Hymn: The History of The Lunar Domain's national anthem
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Story of the Hymn: The History of The Lunar Domain's national anthem
STORY OF THE HYMN
by Biblio Tech
As the federal year draws to a close in the Midnight Court Federal District, there is a definite sense of pressure throughout the city, even for those not working for a government organization. Work has become much more rushed, with even The Lunar Parliament holding an eighteen hour long session on Monday.
Yet it seems that no matter how stressful life has become for those who live and work here, something as simple as a song can remind those who serve our country through the government that their sacrifices are worth it. Last Thursday, a small band, consisting of various wind instruments, performed a rendition of the national anthem on Olsen Boulevard, and quickly garnered an audience most likely greater in number than seven hundred and fifty. As they finished, much to their surprise they were able to hear the applause over the noise of the city.
Though it is a tale that is often overlooked, being considered as a matter of trivia, the tale of how our national anthem, "Hymn to the Republic", came to be is in many ways representative of our nation as a whole.
A stallion named Conducting Waker
The year was 2742, and for the thirty-two year old Conducting Waker living in the Democratic Republic of Seaddle, life in his opinion was well. As he recalled in a small interview in 2794, "There was a certain charge to the air that made it seem that this was the time when all things would be well." Modesty and optimism were possibly the most defining traits Mr. Waker had in his later life; he at the time was trying to get a degree in biology after changing majors, and as a result was having to work eighteen hours a day, even with Ministerial assistance.
Mr. Waker at the time had his old dreams broken however; his original major, Musical Theory, a field in which he had talent, had not ended with a degree: he failed his senior exam. The main thing keeping him going was his boyfriend, Vine Roots, who was going for a major in Agricultural Science. The two hoped that, with their combined degrees, they would be able to move to Fillydelphia and start a small farm.
It is likely the Mr. Waker would have carried out this dream, in a different capacity, had a small series of events not occurred. The Seaddle Times, on September 7, 2742, announced a contest to make a state anthem; the winner would get to play their anthem for the state chairman and the forty representatives of Seaddle to The Lunar Parliament. Waker himself did not hear about this, him and his boyfriend lived in an apartment complex, and had time to look at a newspaper.
The owner of one of the small businesses Waker worked for however did, and as he knew of Waker's talent, he suggested that he give it a shot. Yet Waker himself would not bring himself to try, it took his boyfriend and a large argument over Waker letting a letter dictate his life to convince him to try. As Waker wrote to his mother: "Vine and I had a... a really bad argument. I told him that my boss suggested that I enter in this state anthem contest that the newspaper's having, but I didn't plan on doing so. He demanded to know why I wouldn't, and I tried to remind him that I had failed something that I supposedly have a talent for. Things went a bit downhill, but we've patched things up I guess; I told him I would submit something, but he shouldn't rush me."
A Slice of Hell
"This thing is a slice of hell." That's how Conducting Waker referred to his attempted piece of music in his letters. While he had agreed to submit a piece, he quickly attempted to back out by first "accidentally" recycling a draft, to which Vine would say to start over. Another time, Waker went in to a post office and left a half-finished copy, but instead of giving it to one of the postal employees to be sent, he dropped it in the trash. When no reply came for a week for confirmation of reception, Vine coerced the truth out of Waker, and yet again demanded he try. Various other incidents like these would occur over the next three weeks, but eventually a complete copy of the draft was submitted.
The copy he submitted was NOT, contrary to popular belief, the version of the Hymn that we know today: while it bore some melodic similarities, it lacks much that is part of the Hymn.
It is possible that Waker may have won the state anthem contest, but another decision thousands of kilometers away would indirectly affect his life.
In the Midnight Court Federal District, Prime Minister Avu 'Xun was trying to give the Domain a sense of national identity. 'Xun had been elected two years prior, but had served for four years as Prime Minister before that, having been Prime Minister Michael Sparder's Vice Minister before Sparder was assassinated in 2736. Being the first time for such an event to occur, the assassination weighed heavily on many people's minds, at least in the District, for quite some time.
Prime Minister 'Xun had a list of points that he gave to his friend Jason Buyor, a Democracist Parliament Representative from Stalliongrad, who then proposed a legislation on October 3, 2742 that mandated the creation of a national flag, motto, anthem, and animal. With the latter removed, the legislation passed three days later, with the addition of a Parliamentary Committee on National Status being temporarily formed and headed by PR Buyor. While the Committee quickly gained ridicule from this very newspaper, of much more affect to Waker's life was one of the Committee's members, Yarab, a Royalist Representative from Seaddle.
Back in Waker's area, the Seaddle Times received the musical draft, and it caught the interest of a young intern by the name of Karyar. It also happened that Karyar was the nephew of PR Yarab, and they tended to keep in touch. As a result, before the small team dedicated to the state anthem contest could completely look over all the musical pieces, PR Yarab became aware of Waker's piece, and was impressed enough that she decided to come and talk to Waker himself.
When the day came when the PR visited, it was October 10, 2742, and Waker was reportedly not present when the door was answered by Vine Roots, although whether the composer was present at that moment is of little matter. At some point on that day, Yarab met Waker, and had a conversation as remembered by Vine:
"...I was trying to keep her occupied, really. I was more afraid of her leaving than anything else at that moment; I knew that if Conducting didn't get back while she was here, we would not hear of what ever she had to say again. So I did the best thing I could think of: talk politics with a politician, preferably over beliefs they held. I personally was not, nor have ever been, a Royalist: I have supported the Democracists from the day I turned eighteen. However, Conducting was a Royalist, so I tried to talk him up, recalling some of the beliefs he held from the rare conversations we had on the matter.
"When he finally came home, I think an hour had passed with me talking about Royalist policies, and trying to represent Conducting's support on a piece of legislature, although I didn't actually know what he thought about it. But when he came in, he didn't know what was going on. PR Yarab quickly introduced herself, though, and to both Conducting's and my surprise, she asked about the piece of music he had sent for the state anthem contest.
"He was confused as to how she knew about that, but I think he was more afraid and embarrassed than anything else. But then when he inquired what the reason as to why she was asking, she said something that neither of us were expecting. She thought it was a great piece of music, and told us about the search Parliament was conducting for a national anthem. She was offering Conducting a spot on the pieces considered, and one with the recommendation of a Parliamentary Representative. He, to Yarab's surprise but not mine, tried to protest, saying that he was a person who couldn't even finish getting a degree in something he had talent for. She, in return, asked how anybody couldn't recognize that potential Conducting had."
After an hour or more of deliberation, albeit the deliberation being trying to convince Waker to do something that a lot of other people would kill to have a chance to do, a decision was reached. Waker would put in a piece, and at Vine's behest to the PR, would have the opportunity to have the University of Argand's various musical students, on a voluntary basis, perform the piece as it came along; the university was not randomly chosen, it was the university at which Waker had failed his senior exam.
Return
On October 21, 2742, Conducting Waker made his first steps on the grounds of University of Argand for the first time in four years. His willingness to be there, truly only supported in this case by the fact that a member of Parliament had asked him to do something, was already wavering. One of the first people he bumped into within minutes was his old Musical Theory professor, Doctor Blue Key, who quickly started to inquire as to why a failed student was being allowed to submit a piece that might become the national anthem. Shortly after he made this inquiry, the director of the department made it very clear that if Doctor Key made any sort of hostilities with Conducting Waker, he would very quickly lose his job. It seems that Argand's staff were much more enthused about the possibility of one of their students garnering a reputation for the university as the institution that indirectly made the national anthem, and much less concerned about it being taught by a failed student.
As the university quickly tried to create a welcoming environment for Waker, the unicorn would hesitantly start working on initial compositions. Accounts vary, even from Waker himself, but somewhere between five and seventeen drafts were created up until January 17, 2743. The last draft created was more simply named than his other drafts: he gave it the name "Hymn to the Republic". However, the song was anything but simple. Its lines were half the time in Latin, an old human language used by the historical Romans and continues to be used today in the scientific naming of species. Most of the lines often didn't directly mirror, nor accurately portray, the history of the Domain, using lines referring to a "lunar revolution" and the rebirth of a lunar reign or throne.
These lyrics, however, had a much more metaphorical and deeper meaning: referring to the unity created by those founded the country out of a conflicting era. It is speculated that Waker's composition of the lyrics were heavily influenced by Merita Fiera, a female student who would perform the main vocal part of the anthem for many ceremonials. This cannot be confirmed however, as Waker never elaborated on the exact origins of how he came up with the particular lyrics, simply stating that "they felt appropriate."
Whatever the case, Waker's anthem, although it had been finished now faced a greater enemy, a foe that Waker himself would not have to confront: the often rough and confusing world of politics.
Deliberations
When the anthem Conducting Waker had composed was received by PR Yarab on February 3, it was not immediately hailed as the best choice. In fact, it was probably the least favored choice of all the musical pieces received by Parliament at first. More conventional and professional choices had been submitted by various highly-regarded names: The Manehattan Symphony Orchestra, Bass Octave, the New Lunar Republic Army Chorus, and the Royal Hoofington Orchestra were among those who had sent in pieces. An unknown failed student and his piece, who had been hired by a Parliamentary Representative, a questionable action considering all other pieces had been sent in without the preference of a particular Representative, did not particularly appeal to the Committee.
However, Yarab was able at some point to talk with PR Buyor, and able to convince him to have the Committee come and hear the Hymn for themselves on the condition that all other pieces would be heard first. Over the week of February 8, the Parliament Representatives would visit performances of the proposed anthems throughout the country before finally arriving in Seaddle on the Twelfth.
On the Twelfth, the current piece being considered was the New Lunar Republic Army Chorus' "Allegiance for the Domain." The Committee itself did not have high expectations for the Hymn that was to be performed, believing that Waker's talents were being exaggerated.
When evening came, the University of Argand's campus was relatively empty, and the auditorium was only occupied by a nervous Conducting Waker, a small group that included Ms. Fiera, and the fifteen Committee members which mostly were not expecting a worthy piece.
Roughly four minutes after the Hymn began, the song had ended, and the doubting Committee Members were shocked to hear the impressive piece; apparently, six members of the Committee agreed to vote for the piece on the spot. Yet one more vote would be needed to appoint the piece so that it could be sent to the Prime Minister for approval.
After the Committee returned to the Midnight Court Federal District, Waker fearfully awaited a decision that he thought would end in his rejection. Yet over the course of the weekend, the Committee unofficially held meetings in a local Sugarcube Corner outlet, and on Monday the Fifteenth, the Committee submitted their choice of the national anthem along with the national flag and motto, both of which had not faced nearly as much deliberation due to lack of numbers submitted.
On the February 17, 2743, Prime Minister Avu 'Xun signed into law The Lunar Domain's infamous flag, its motto "Luna nos Custodit", and its national anthem: "Hymn to the Republic" composed by Conducting Waker. Unsurprisingly, the choice of national anthem came under controversy of the media, albeit for unexpected reasons: many accused the national anthem of favoring the Royalist Party, due to its origins by a Royalist Party Representative and supporter, and that the national anthem should not be representing a single political party. The issue quickly went away however when Prime Minister 'Xun, who himself was not a Royalist but a Democracist, issued a statement on February 20, commenting that "Nearly every citizen of our Lunar Domain and its New Lunar Republic belongs to a political party, myself included. Therefore, it is unreasonable to believe that a national anthem should be composed that is completely neutral. Unless we are suggesting that we make fifty-two national anthems for our nation, each representing the political parties within our nation, not just the four large parties that compose our Parliament and much of our national government, a course of action I believe ridiculous and shall refuse to approve, I recommend that the nation focus on much more important matters."
Meanwhile, on the Seventeenth, Conducting Waker along with his boyfriend Vine Roots celebrated the decision. The University of Argand decided to celebrate during the day rather than hold classes, as it was a moment that would live in its history. But for the unicorn whose dreams had been broken, the pieces of that dream had been put back together into a new one.
Debut
For the purposes of describing the Hymn's first performance, this story shall use the article this newspaper wrote on the State of the Union speech made on March 4, 2743:
STATE OF THE UNION: THE NATIONAL ANTHEM'S DEBUT
by Caecilius of the Rukt Pack
Today, the highly-anticipated monthly State of the Union speech was delivered by Princess Luna. The details of the speech highlighted the legislation passed by Parliament over the past month; but of much more interest was the debut of the national anthem, along with the official unveiling of the national flag and motto, both of which had been leaked last week Saturday.
The anthem, unlike the flag or motto, has been kept secretive since it was announced. While its author and certain background have been released, the song itself has been kept secret, along the lines of high classification. But what our national anthem now is, this reporter can safely say, blew away almost everybody in the courtyard of the Midnight Palace.
It was 5:32 PM, and Princess Luna had just finished unveiling the new flag for our nation. There was definitely a sense of excitement in both the Princess's and the audience's voice for the unveiling of the mysterious new anthem. "Last on our agenda," the alicorn stated. "Is the debut of our new national anthem. Ladies and gentlemen if you would please give a warm welcome to Mr. Conducting Waker and the University of Argand's Symphony!"
Out came a small group of college students, none of whom could be more than thirty, and Mr. Conducting Waker himself, who seemed to be discomforted. As the group quickly got out their various musical instruments, Mr. Waker got his conducting baton and copy of the anthem. Within a minute, all of the group is ready and silent, awaiting Waker's signal. Waker himself appears to be waiting for Princess Luna.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for our national anthem," the Princess asks. "Mr. Waker's 'Hymn to the Republic'."
The anthem begins very quietly, with some of the lower stringed instruments playing softly. Then, a couple of the singers start speaking in a relatively unknown language, apparently Latin, but within seconds fade off. A soft crescendo starts, and half of the singers present start chanting four words "Regina noctis pro nobis."
The words are repeated twice before the rest of the singers join in the chant, all except for a thin human woman who walks in front of the singers. After the words are repeated twice more, the woman takes a breath in, and starts singing.
"With this hymn I shall sing to you," the woman sings. While it is not overshadowing the main vocals, the instruments and singers are playing very strongly, adding a sense of power to the song. "For I'll stand, we will subdue."
"For a lunar revolution, moonlight's reign shall be reborn." The woman is now silent, and the rest of the singers are now loudly chanting in Latin again. One word is easily distinguishable: Luna.
The Latin chanting builds, and then cuts off, leaving the musical instruments to carry on the melody momentarily, before a small group once again starts the chant.
"Endless night will rise above us." The woman has once again started singing, "With the guidance from the stars. For this our revolution, moonlight's throne shall be reborn." As the last line is sung, everything builds, and cuts off yet again. The singers start to chant very softly as the song fades off.
For a moment, all is silent. In some ways, the song is frightening, seeming to sing only about the Princess. But one in the audience starts applauding, and soon enough, the entire press and audience gathered begins applauding as well.
"Mr. Conducting Waker, and his "Hymn to the Republic" ladies and gentlemen!" Luna speaks over the applause. Taking that as a cue to leave, the composer of the song nods to the audience, and very quickly shuffles off, with those performing the piece following.
While the lyrics have yet to be released, it can be safely said that this anthem, at the very least, inspires a sense of pride to those have heard it.
As it was described in this old article, the anthem definitely moved those who heard it. However, this would be the last time for months Waker would perform his piece.
Encores
For the next few years, Conducting Waker retreated from the limelight, and tried to avoid doing a live performance of the anthem again. The anthem itself would be recorded from the debut on March 4, and to many of those who wished to hear it in person, they would be disappointed to see that the quiet unicorn was not present at anymore of the State of the Union speeches.
In fact, Waker attempted to forget the incident, and continued on working. However, as the last semester of their college careers ended, and they both obtained their majors, both Vine Roots and Conducting Waker left for the farmlands of Fillydelphia. At some point during the period of time between November of 2743 and December of 2745 the two married. Also during these years, Waker did not respond to at least a hundred letters that had found their way to him, all requesting he perform the anthem again.
Waker would respond to one letter however, one personally written to his small homestead by Prime Minister Avu 'Xun in late January of 2746. Prime Minister 'Xun had just been reelected, and requested that Waker perform at the inauguration in April. Waker would respond of his own accord, not at his husband's behest, and wrote "I would be more than honored to perform in such a role."
By that time, all of the students in the original group had graduated, and as a result were considerably harder to contact, but Waker was able to find Ms. Fiera. Through her, the group was slowly reunited, and by late March the group had met in the Municipality of Ponyville to begin rehearsals of the anthem. Once again, though at Waker's request this time, the rehearsals were kept private, and utmost secrecy of the group's performance was once again attempted. When April 2 came around, the group arrived in the early morning at the Midnight Palace courtyard to set up their various devices.
Apparently, the Princess herself was surprised to see the group, but nonetheless enthusiastically welcomed them. The group retreated into the back areas as press and public arrived to see the inauguration. The Prime Minister's inauguration proceeded as normal, and after 'Xun was sworn in for the last time, the Sangheili began his speech simply. "My fellow citizens, I thank you for your appointment to my office for the last time I could bear it. But today, I have not come alone. At my request, I have obtained something for you, the people."
The audience was initially confused as the small group, now relatively unfamiliar, came out to grab their instruments and set up for performance. But at one point, one of the members of the audience recognized Mr. Waker, and began applauding. The Prime Minister, upon seeing that Waker's group was ready, simply stated "My fellow citizens, Mr. Conducting Waker shall perform the national anthem."
The audience burst into applause but quickly faded off as Waker's group began performing. When the anthem ended, the audience once again applauded, and Waker would bow. The Prime Minister, instead of giving the rest of his speech, said "For our nation, Luna nos Custodit."
Waker started to receive requests for performances once again, but this time would take up on some of the offers. Other than performing at the Prime Ministerial inaugurations over the next several decades, him and his group would perform at the funerals of the assassinated Prime Ministers Fitzgerald Johnson, Julius, and Loom Hook. He would also perform for the New Lunar Republic Army's Third, Seventh, and Ninth Armies in 2764, 2792, and 2793 respectively.
Waker would otherwise for the majority of his life live on his farm with his husband, living in relative solitude and sustaining off the land. He would twice teach the local high school's combined choir, band, and orchestra the national anthem for performance.
Conducting Waker would make his last performance with his group at the inauguration of Marak 'Dulac in 2800, to a crowd of approximately 50,000. The next day, Conducting Waker would become the victim of a vehicle collision on IS-36, and was killed upon impact.
At his funeral, held on May 12, 2800, his group would perform the anthem for the last time. Among those attending were the Princess herself, the elderly Avu 'Xun, and the son of Doctor Key. In his will, he left everything he had to his adopted child, Vivian Mounce.
The next day, Conducting Waker was buried in a remote part of his Fillydelphia farm, with his gravestone reading some of the last lines of the anthem:
"Here lies Conducting Waker,
Loving Husband and Father,
Composer for his nation.
Lived from February 10, 2710 to April 3, 2800.
In luna credimus.
Lunae lumen habet claritatem veritatis.
Lunae lumen in mundo, Lunae lumen in me.
Cantate ei regnum.
Cantate ei gloriam.
Sidera ducet nos.
Luna nos protegat."
The verses on Conducting Waker's gravestone roughly means, when translated from Latin:
"We believe in the moon.
Moon light is the splendor of truth.
The light of the moon in the world, the moon is the light with me.
Sing to him a kingdom.
Let him glory.
Stars will lead us.
Moon protect us."
EQUESTRIAN DAILY
March 13, 2985