Italy’s National Anthem Undergoes a Significant Change
Italy has made a notable modification to its national anthem, removing the emphatic final “Sì!” from the lyrics. This change comes after a presidential decree was adopted, suggested by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The alteration was reported by the newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano and later confirmed by government sources, although it was published quietly in the official gazette in May and only recently came to light.
The modification is based on the original text written by poet Goffredo Mameli in 1847. Mameli’s autographed manuscript, held at the Museo del Risorgimento in Turin, does not include the final “Sì!”. However, the original musical score by Michele Novaro, which has been used until now, does include this addition. Novaro justified the inclusion of “Sì!” as a way to conclude the anthem with “a supreme cry, which is a pledge and a battle cry.”
Implementation of the Change
The general staff of the military informed all armed forces that during institutional and military events where the anthem is performed in the sung version, the final patriotic cry must be omitted. This order applies to performances at official military ceremonies and has been sent to all commands, from the finance police to the army, with instructions to ensure “scrupulous observance.” The presidential office has stated that the modification was made for “the sake of purity” rather than for any political reason.
The national anthem, known as the Canto degli Italiani, has been an important symbol of Italian identity and patriotism since its creation in 1847. The removal of the final “Sì!” is a significant change, but it is intended to bring the anthem back to its original form. As reported by state broadcaster RAI News, the modified anthem will be sung at military ceremonies, marking a return to Mameli’s original text.
Reactions and Context
Rome’s opera house recently staged a production of Puccini’s Tosca, where the national anthem was performed without the final “Sì!”. The event was attended by President Mattarella, among others. The modification of the national anthem has sparked interest and discussion, with some seeing it as a way to reconnect with the country’s historical roots. The image shows the modified national anthem.
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