What is a march? Musical genre, examples of works

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

Origin of the genre

The answer to the question of what a march is, is to be found in the history of those times when this genre was just emerging. The first rudiments of such music can be found even 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 the marches in their sound are often cheerful and energetic, because they should set up rank-and-file officers and officers. Since ancient times this formula has not changed.

What is a march? It is also a musical harmony that allows soldiers to go synchronously with each other. It was in this capacity that the marches revived in the late Middle Ages in Europe. Before that, a similar song was performed by a hiking song. In modern times, the main musical instruments used to perform marches were drums and flutes. With their help it was easiest to get the necessary rhythm. What is a march for the army? It is strictly applied genre, necessary for the best organization of military campaigns. However, over time, it became popular in everyday life.

The appearance of the march in Russia

Academic composers of the 18th century began to include this musical genre in more complex works, for example concerts, suites, and symphonies. This helped open the march to an even wider audience. Such composers-innovators were Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Mahler and Frederic Chopin.

Thanks to the popularity in Europe, the march also penetrated into Russia. It happened in the era of Peter the Great. The tsar tried to modernize the national army completely on the Western model. Therefore, not only the form and orders were adopted, but also musical accompaniment. Elite St. Petersburg regiments immediately received their own march. Over time, this tradition has spread to other army formations. Before that, no one in Russia knew about the benefits that military music brings with it. Marsh became a revelation.

"Farewell of the Slav"

At the beginning of the 20th century, one of the most famous Russian marches appeared: "Farewell to the Slav". In 1912 this work was written by trumpeter Vasily Agapkin. Inspiration for him was the First Balkan War.

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

"March of the Slavs" got its name as a sign of that difficult destiny, which is prepared for all wives and mothers, who led their men to the front. It is interesting that the original version of the musical work did not include the text. All the poems appeared later, when the melody became extremely popular in the Russian army.

In 1915 the first records with the recording of the march were released. It was at this time was the First World War. Troops, like air, needed "soul-raising" music, under which it would not be scary to go to the front. This is exactly what this march became.

The melody was not forgotten even in the Soviet era, although it was not perceived as a symbol of the tsarist era by many. Until now, there are lively debates over whether the "Farewell of the Slav" was performed on the fateful parade on November 7, 1941, when the troops were sent to defend the capital's approaches from the Nazi troops.

In modern Russia, under this march, branded trains are departing along the way, as well as new recruits who leave their native places to serve in the army.

Mendelssohn's March

In 1842, the German composer Felix Mendelssohn wrote his most famous march, which eventually became the 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. Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm became the direct inspirer of this considerable work, having ordered from the composer a full suite.

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

"March of Radetsky"

Classic military marches are also known throughout the world. For example, such a fate was prepared for the work of Johann Strauss, Sr., written in 1848. His "March of the Radzek" became an initiation to the Field Marshal, who saved the Austrian monarchy from the Hungarian national revolution. It was not only a musical work, but also a vivid expression of the loyalty of the imperial power. At this time, the famous composer experienced an ideological conflict with his son (also a composer) who supported the rebels and played the "Marseillaise" on the barricades.

The March of Radetsky was waiting for unprecedented success. Soon it became an indispensable attribute of the Austrian army. He was often executed on the fronts of the First World War to raise the morale of the troops. This is energetic and strict music. March is still heard today in Vienna, which is still considered the world capital of classical academic genres.

Composition features

In addition to its applied features, any march is different and recognizable compositional features. It is a measured pace and a clear structure. Composers writing marches try to avoid liberties and excessive improvisations, because in that case it is difficult for troops to follow the rhythm. Often the structure of the whole work is based on the drum roll, and it is the percussion instruments that become the reference point for 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, drill steps, as well as column construction. All of them have their sizes and are written according to certain patterns. Another common type of march is mourning. It is performed at funerals and solemn burials. He is distinguished by a sorrowful melody.