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The first bars of the Brazilian National Anthem received lyrics about patriotism and civic duty, but the verses were forgotten
Few songs have as much symbolic power in Brazil as the Brazilian National Anthem.
The composition frequently appears in official ceremonies, sports competitions, and civic celebrations. Its lyrics are immediately associated with the verse “Ouviram do Ipiranga as margens plácidas”.
A little-known part of history, however, reveals that the instrumental introduction also received its own words.
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The verses were created to accompany the first bars of the melody. Authorship is traditionally attributed to the Paulista Américo de Moura.
The sung introduction of the National Anthem ended up forgotten, but remains a curious chapter in the formation of Brazilian symbols.
Melody of the National Anthem emerged in the 19th century
The musician Francisco Manuel da Silva composed the melody of the National Anthem in the early 19th century.
The first documented public performance took place on April 13, 1831, in Rio de Janeiro. The date came to mark the Day of the Brazilian National Anthem.
The composition was initially instrumental and appeared mainly in military band performances and public ceremonies.
The imperial period also brought different proposals for lyrics to the music.
The verses by Ovídio Saraiva de Carvalho e Silva were associated with the melody during the 1830s.
The content reflected the political scenario of that moment and presented references to Brazil governed by the monarchy.
Proclamation of the Republic motivated an attempt to change
The Proclamation of the Republic in 1889 increased the pressure for the replacement of symbols linked to the imperial period.
A contest was held to choose another anthem to represent Brazil.
The winning work received lyrics by Medeiros e Albuquerque, but met resistance among Brazilians.
The melody by Francisco Manuel da Silva thus remained as a national symbol.
The winning composition of the contest became known as the Anthem of the Proclamation of the Republic.
The excerpt “Liberdade! Liberdade! Abre as asas sobre nós!” remains the most remembered part of this work.
Duque Estrada’s official lyrics were chosen in 1909
The permanence of the old melody still left one question unanswered: a definitive lyric was needed to represent the Republic.
A new process was initiated in 1906 to select the official verses of the National Anthem.
The poem written by Joaquim Osório Duque Estrada was chosen in 1909 to accompany the music.
The officialization of the lyrics occurred on September 6, 1922, during the centennial celebrations of Independence.
Records from the Federal Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, and Brazilian legislation confirm this chronology.
The version formed by the melody of Francisco Manuel da Silva and the verses of Duque Estrada remains officially used.
Introduction of the National Anthem also had lyrics
The bars played before the official lyrics also received a proposal for verses.
The text, traditionally attributed to Américo de Moura, said:
“Brazil expects that everyone fulfills their duty
Onward, Brazilians! Always onward
Engrave with a burin in the national annals your power
Onward, Brazilians! Always onward
Serve Brazil without faltering, with bold spirit
Fulfill your duty in war and peace
In the shadow of the law, in the gentle breeze
Raise the banner of beautiful Brazil
Onward! Up, oh, up!”
The language used in the introduction, as well as in the official lyrics, presents formal terms that are uncommon in contemporary Portuguese.
Old words help understand the verses
The word burin identifies a cutting tool used to make engravings on surfaces like metal or wood.
The term annals, in turn, represents the historical records of a society or nation.
The expression banner can be understood as a flag or standard.
The word up conveys an idea of impulse, elevation, or a call to advance with enthusiasm.
The phrase “engrave with a burin in the national annals” suggests, therefore, the permanent recording of Brazilian achievements in national history.
Sung introduction fell into oblivion
The lyrics created for the initial bars never reached the same popularity as the verses of Joaquim Osório Duque Estrada.
The use of the sung introduction diminished over the years until it disappeared from the most well-known performances.
The consolidated version came to present only the instrumental introduction, followed by the beginning of “Ouviram do Ipiranga”.
The old lyrics, even outside the official execution, continue to preserve part of Brazil’s political, literary, and cultural trajectory.
The process of constructing the Brazilian National Anthem spanned decades, changes of government, contests, and different proposals for verses.
Were you already familiar with the words attributed to Américo de Moura for the introduction of the National Anthem? Share your opinion!
