The march is primarily associated with the organized movement of troops. Most often, such processions take place to the music. This helps to synchronize the movement of soldiers. Therefore, the corresponding musical genre is also called a march.
Genre origin
The answer to the question of what a march should be found in the history of those times when this genre was just emerging. The first rudiments of such music can be found in antiquity. In ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, the movement of troops was necessarily accompanied by music. This helped maintain the fighting spirit of the soldiers. That is why marches in their sound are most often vigorous and energetic, because they must set up the rank and file and officers. Since ancient times, this formula has not changed.
What is a march? It is also musical harmony, which allows soldiers to march synchronously with each other. It was in this capacity that marches were revived in the late Middle Ages in Europe. Prior to this, a marching song performed a similar function. In modern times, the main musical instruments with which marches were performed were drums and flutes. With their help, it was easiest to get the necessary rhythm. What is a march for the army? This is a strictly applied genre necessary for the best organization of military campaigns. However, over time, he became popular in everyday life.
The appearance of the march in Russia
Academic composers of the 18th century began to incorporate this musical genre into more complex works, such as concerts, suites, as well as symphonies. This helped open the march to an even wider audience. Such innovative composers were Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Mahler and Frederic Chopin.
Due to its popularity in Europe, the march penetrated into Russia. This happened in the era of Peter I. The tsar tried to modernize the domestic army completely on the Western model. Therefore, not only form and order were adopted, but also musical accompaniment. Elite Petersburg regiments immediately received their own march. Over time, this tradition spread to other army formations. Before that, no one in Russia knew about the benefits that military music brings with it. The march was a revelation.
"Farewell of the Slav"
At the beginning of the 20th century, one of the most famous Russian marches appeared - “Farewell of the Slav”. In 1912, this work was written by trumpeter Vasily Agapkin. The inspiration for him was the First Balkan War.
The “Slavic March” has a recognizable simple melody, thanks to which it has become 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 Slav” got its name as a sign of that difficult fate, which is destined for all wives and mothers who spent their men at the front. Interestingly, the original version of the piece of music did not include the text. All verses appeared later, when the melody became extremely popular in the Russian army.
In 1915, the first march recordings were released. It was at this time that the First World War was going on. Troops, like air, needed "uplifting" music, under which it would not be scary to go to the front. That is what this march has become.
The melody was not forgotten even in Soviet times, although by many it was not perceived unreasonably as a symbol of the tsarist era. There is still lively debate about whether the “Farewell of the Slav” was performed at the fateful parade on November 7, 1941, when the troops went to defend the approaches of the capital from Nazi troops.
In modern Russia, branded trains depart for this march, as well as recruits who leave their native places to serve in the army.
Mendelssohn March
In 1842, the German composer Felix Mendelssohn wrote his most famous march, which over time became an 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. The Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm became the direct inspirer of this considerable work, ordering a full-fledged suite from the composer.
But over time, the Mendelssohn march became self-sufficient and healed its life. This is a prime example of how a genre has come off its military roots. Mendelssohn’s work received a recognizable structure and rhythm from its predecessors, but there was nothing militaristic in this music.
"Radetsky March"
Classic military marches are also known around the world. For example, such a fate was prepared for the work of Johann Strauss Sr., written in 1848. His "Radzecki March" became a dedication 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 was in ideological conflict with his son (also a composer), who supported the rebels and performed the Marseillaise on the barricades.
"Radetzky’s March" was waiting for unprecedented success. Soon he became a mandatory attribute of the Austrian army. It was often performed on the fronts of the First World War to raise the morale of the troops. This is energetic and strict music. The march can still be heard today in Vienna, which is still considered the world capital of classical academic genres.
Compositional Features
In addition to its applied features, any march is distinguished by recognizable compositional features. This is a measured pace and a clear structure. Composers who write marches try to avoid liberties and excessive improvisations, because in this case it is difficult for the troops to follow the rhythm. Often the structure of the entire work is based on a drum roll, and it is percussion instruments that become a guide for listeners.
In order to accurately describe what a march is, it is also necessary to mention several types of it. These are works written specifically for parades, combatant strides, as well as column building. 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. It is distinguished by a mournful melody.