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La Marseillaise
![First page of the score: La Marseillaise · Claude Joseph Rouget de l’Isle (1760–1836) — Early edition · Paris: Bignon, [1792]](https://i0.wp.com/leanoregillet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/score-rouget-marseillaise-bignon-1792.webp?fit=1500%2C1067&ssl=1)
History
Composed in 1792 in Strasbourg by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, La Marseillaise was originally titled Chant de guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin. Written during the early days of the French Revolution, the song quickly spread among revolutionary soldiers and volunteers, particularly those from Marseille who sang it while marching to Paris. It soon became one of the most powerful musical symbols of liberty and republican ideals and was officially adopted as the national anthem of France in 1795. Interestingly, Rouget de Lisle himself was not a radical revolutionary. A moderate monarchist, he was imprisoned during the Reign of Terror, making it one of history’s striking ironies that the most famous revolutionary anthem was written by someone who did not fully share the revolutionary cause.
Structure
La Marseillaise follows the structure of a revolutionary song combining strong rhythmic drive with a clear and memorable melodic line. The music alternates between declamatory phrases and more lyrical passages, creating a powerful sense of momentum suitable for collective singing. The melody, originally written in B-flat major, is often transposed in pedagogical contexts to better suit the vocal range of performers or students. Its broad melodic arcs and martial rhythm contribute to its enduring emotional impact.
Original title
Chant de guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin
In the Repertoire since
2025
Publicly performed