"" ('Hymn to the Flag') is the national anthem of Albania, adopted in 1912. Its music is the Romanian patriotic song "Pe-al nostru steag e scris Unire", composed by Ciprian Porumbescu. The lyrics were written by Albanian poet Asdreni. The anthem was originally titled "" ("The Pledge on the Flag").
History
On 21 April 1912, "" was first published as a poem in (), an Albanian newspaper in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was later printed in a volume of poems by Drenova titled (Dreams and Tears) which was published in Bucharest. According to Lasgush Poradeci's memoirs, the anthem, created by the adaptation of the text to the music, was not originally intended to be a national anthem, but it was so well liked by the people that it was proclaimed as the national anthem in 1912, and it was with its music that the Albanian flag was raised during the Albanian Declaration of Independence in the city of Vlorë.
Music The Hungarian composer György Ligeti opined that the music composed by Porumbescu is rooted in Germanic and Austrian musical traditions, though this is not a definitive groundbreaking explanation of its influence and later creation. It is a view based on Porumbescu's musical education, since he had studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna. The view has been shared by Albanian musicologist, Ramadan Sokoli.
Lyrics and melody The second half of each verse is considered refrain and is repeated. Usually only the first stanza of the anthem is performed, such as during sporting events.
Albanian originalEnglish translation Rreth flamurit të përbashkuar Me një dëshir' e një qëllim, Të gjith' atij duke u betuar Të lidhim besën për shpëtim.
Në dorë armët do t'i mbajmë, Të mbrojmë atdheun në çdo kënd, Të drejtat tona ne s'i ndajmë; Këtu armiqtë s'kanë vend!
O Flamur, flamur, shenj' e shenjtë Tek ti betohemi këtu Për Shqipërin' atdheun e shtrenjtë, Për nder' edhe lavdimn e tu.Around our flag united we stand, With one wish and one intention. A sacred oath we bestow upon it, Faith for our pardon we blazon.
We are armed with weapon in hand, In defending our fatherland. Our sacred rights we shall cede not, On our land the foe has a place not.
O Banner, banner, you symbol sacred Upon you we now swear. For Albania, our dear fatherland, For your glory and honour.
References
External links
"Himni Kombëtar i Republikës së Shqipërisë"