How Did Music Influence The French Revolution

Music, in all forms, goes through periods and influences such as the Classical period, Romantic, Modern, etc.. It is also influenced by large events, such as war. The French Revolution, which occurred during the late 1700’s, was driven by the ideas and ideals of the Enlightenment. The revolution occurred, similarly to the American Revolutionary War, because of high taxes and opposition to the French Monarchy. The monarchy had left the country nearly bankrupt, 98% of the population were severely underrepresented in the government (History.com Staff), and the country was crumbling. It was a long, bloody war that ended with King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette being guillotined, the Reign of Terror, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Thousands
The song was written in response to France declaring war on Austria and Prussia, who had “invaded France in an attempt to quell the revolution” (“What's the Meaning of La Marseillaise? - BBC News.”). The original song was written in support of the monarchy, but the revolutionaries adopted the melody and sang to it as they marched into the capital on July 30th, 1792 (“La Marseillaise - Background.”). The song became iconic for that moment and was renamed “Le Marseillaise” (Song of Marseilles), contrary to what Rouget de Lisle intended when he initially wrote the song earlier in the
It is a call to arms from the revolutionaries to their countrymen. The lyrics of one of the first verses goes “Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons!, Qu'un sang impur, Abreuve nos sillons!”, which means “To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, Let's march, let's march! Let an impure blood, Soak our fields!”. In between each verse, they sang “Aux armes, citoyens”, which means “To arms, citizens” (La Marseillaise - Lyrics). The song itself has a polyphonic texture. When played as it was intended, it has a larger ensemble playing multiple melodies throughout the piece. It depends on the arrangement, but the instruments involved mainly include various drums, trumpets, tubas, etc. It has a conjunct melody and a very robust rhythm. Since it was used as a revolutionary song, the upbeat, vigorous rhythm and lyrics are the most striking part of the song. The trumpets typically played at the beginning of the piece are especially very attention-grabbing and very lively and