Panama National anthem
The National Anthem of the Republic of Panama is one of the national symbols of that country, the music is by Santos Jorge Amátrian and the lyrics are by Jerónimo Ossa.
History
In 1889, the musician Santos Jorge arrived in Panama from Peralta, Spain, who began as an organist at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama and a singing teacher at public and primary schools. In 1892 he was appointed director of the (military) band of the Ecuador battalion, and later held the same position but in the newly founded Republican Band.
In 1897, Santos Jorge composed the "Himno Istmeño", which at first was a student song, but reached levels of popularity among the population. Santos Jorge had composed the official music for the hymn but he did not have lyrics, so he asked his friend Jerónimo Ossa to write him lyrics. However, this song is not the same as the one currently performed, since it underwent some changes. There are no records of how or who made the changes to the original hymn.
In 1903, William I. Buchanan, the first ambassador and minister plenipotentiary of the United States to Panama, was going to present credentials before the Provisional Government Junta and there was no anthem to interpret it, as required by the usual protocol. Santos Jorge suggests that his anthem be used for such an occasion, which was accepted, since the song was supported by the general public. The same composer asked his friend Jerónimo Ossa to write lyrics to which he agreed and wrote the lyrics for the Panamanian national anthem.
In 1906, the National Assembly adopted the anthem in accordance with Law 39 and provisionally, since it was planned to hold a contest to choose a new composition. The Panamanian people chose him again. Later in the Constitution of 1941, an article is included that definitively adopts the National Anthem as Symbol of the Nation.
Lyrics of the Hymn
Chorus
We finally achieved victory
in the happy field of union;
with fiery blazes of glory
the new nation lights up.
(Verse I)
It is necessary to cover with a veil
Calvary and the cross of the past;
and that adorns the blue of your sky
of concord the splendid light.
(Verse II)
Progress caresses your lares
to the beat of sublime song;
You see both seas roar at your feet
that give direction to your noble mission.
(repeat chorus)
(Verse III)
On your flower-covered ground,
to the kisses of the warm terrestrial,
roar warriors ended;
Only brotherly love reigns.
(Verse IV)
Forward the pike and shovel,
Get to work without further ado;
and we will be like this prez and gala,
of this fertile world of Columbus.
(repeat chorus)
Digital recording
In 2012 the National Anthem was recorded digitally for the first time, since there was no digital version of it. The new recording was made at the National Theater of Panama with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Música Viva Choir and the Polyphonic Choir of Panama, under the direction of Maestro Jorge Ledezma. This new version is available to the general public to be downloaded for free.