Honors music

The honors music for a person, office or rank is music played on formal or ceremonial occasions in the presence of the person, office-holder, or rank-holder, especially by a military band. The head of state in many countries is honored with a prescribed piece of music; in some countries the national anthem serves this purpose, while others have a separate royal, presidential, or, historically, imperial anthem. Other officials may also have anthems, such as the vice-regal salute in several Commonwealth realms for the Governor-General, Governor, or Lieutenant Governor. Ruffles and flourishes may be played instead of, or preceding, honors music.

"Royal Anthem" redirects here. For the racehorse, see Royal Anthem (horse).

Current honors music

Countries where the national anthem is also the royal anthem include Jamaica,[1] Malaysia,[2] the Netherlands,[3] Norfolk Island, Spain, the United Kingdom, Jordan, Brunei and Cambodia. Additionally, the royal anthems of both Denmark and New Zealand have co-official status as national anthem along with a separate national anthem.

Instances of honors music other than the relevant national anthem include the following:

Country	Office/rank	Music	Notes
Antigua and Barbuda	Monarch	"God Save the Queen"
Argentina	President	"Marcha de Ituzaingó"	Presidential March[4]
Armenia	President	Presidential Fanfare
Australia	Monarch	"God Save the Queen"[5]
	Other Royal Family members	"God Save the Queen"	First six bars only.
	Governor-General, Governors	Vice-regal salute[5]	The first and last four bars of "Advance Australia Fair", the national anthem.[5]
Austria	President	"Österreich, du herrliches Land"	Also the anthem of the Austrian Armed Forces.
Brazil	President	"Continências ao Presidente da República"	Introduction and final chords of the Brazilian National Anthem. Only applicable at military ceremonies.[6]
Canada	Monarch, consort	"God Save the Queen"[7]	For a pipe band, "Mallorca" is played instead.
	Other Royal Family members	The first six bars of "God Save the Queen"[7]	For a pipe band, "Mallorca" is played instead.
	Governor General, Lieutenant Governors	"Salute to the Governor General/Lieutenant Governor", commonly called the Vice Regal Salute	The first six bars of "God Save the Queen" immediately followed by the first four and last four bars of "O Canada", the national anthem. For a pipe band, a combination of "Mallorca" and "O Canada" is played instead.[7]
	High-ranking Canadian Forces personnel	"General Salute"	Played to render honors to high ranking personnel
Colombia	President	"Honores al Presidente de la Republica" (Presidential Salute)	Bugle fanfare by the Corps of drums then followed by the: 1. Introduction and Chorus of the National Anthem of Colombia 2. Introduction from the hymn of the National Army of Colombia 3. Introduction from the hymn of the Colombian Navy 4. Introduction from the hymn of the Colombian Air Force 5. First bars of the hymn of the National Police of Colombia, all by a military band If the President attends an event hosted by only either of the 3 service branches of the Military Forces of Colombia or the National Police, the Introduction and Chorus of the National Anthem are played first followed by the introduction of the specific service anthem.
Czech Republic	President	"Fanfáry z Libuše"	Fanfares from Overture of the opera Libuše
Denmark	Monarch	"Kong Christian stod ved højen mast"	"King Christian stood by the lofty mast". Also one of the two national anthems, the other being "Der er et yndigt land"
Ecuador	President	"Honores al Presidente de la Republica" (Presidential Salute) "Marcha Presidential" (Presidential March)	1. In the Army, Air Force and Police, a bugle fanfare followed by the chorus of Salve, Oh Patria 2. In the Navy, four long blasts of the boatswain's call then the rest as above 3. Played at the arrival of the President in military events, once the arrival honors have been received
	Vice President	"Honores al Vicepresidente de la Republica" (Vice-presidential Salute) "Cancion patria" (Fatherland Song)	1. In the Army, Air Force and Police, a bugle fanfare followed by the chorus of Salve, Oh Patria 2. In the Navy, four long blasts of the boatswain's call then the rest as above 3. Played at the arrival of the Vice President, once the arrival honors have been received
Estonia	Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Defence Forces (normally the President)	"Björneborgarnas marsch/Porilaisten marssi"	"March of the Pori Regiment"/"March of the Björneborgers"
Finland	Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces (normally the President)	"Björneborgarnas marsch/Porilaisten marssi"	"March of the Pori Regiment"/"March of the Björneborgers"
Haiti	President	"Quand nos Aïeux brisèrent leurs entraves" (Chant Nationale)	"When Our Fathers Broke Their Chains" (also known as the National Hymn). Poem by Oswald Durand, set to music by Occide Jeanty in 1893 to serve as a national anthem; replaced by "La Dessalinienne" in 1904.[8]
Ireland	President	"Presidential Salute"	The first four and last five bars of "Amhrán na bhFiann", the national anthem[9]
	Taoiseach	"Mór Chluana" / "Amhrán Dóchais"	"Mór Chluana" ("More of Cloyne") is a traditional air collected by Patrick Weston Joyce in 1873.[10][11] "Amhrán Dóchais" ("Song of Hope") is a poem written by Osborn Bergin in 1913 and set to the air.[11][12] John A. Costello chose the air as his salute.[12] Though the salute is often called "Amhrán Dóchais", Brian Ó Cuív argues "Mór Chluana" is the correct title.[12][13]
Korea (Republic of)	General-rank Officer	Star March	Abridged version
Ministers of State	Rose of Sharon
President	Phoenix Hymn	Modified version of Star March, played during Military Parade attended by the President
Korea (Democratic People's Republic of)	Supreme Leader	"Song of Happiness for the Great Leader"	Played during the arrival and departure of the Supreme Leader, with a matching 21-gun salute
Luxembourg	Monarch	"De Wilhelmus"	A variant of "Het Wilhelmus", the national and royal anthem of the Netherlands
Malaysia	Raja Permaisuri Agong; Yang di-Pertua Negeri	Abridged version of the National Anthem	Consisting of first and last sections.[2] Played before the relevant state's anthem[2] if the salute is for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
	State monarchs	Short version of "Negaraku" (the national anthem)	Consisting of last section. Played after the relevant state's anthem. Only may be played if the state monarch present representing the King.[2]
Netherlands	Members of the Royal House; Governor of the Netherlands Antilles and Governor of Aruba	"Het Wilhelmus"	The national anthem.[3]
	Various officials not entitled to "Het Wilhelmus".[fn 1]	"De Jonge Prins van Friesland" [3]	Ministers used the national anthem till Queen Beatrix objected in 1986.[14]
New Zealand	Monarch	"God Save the Queen"[15]	Also one of two national anthems, the other being "God Defend New Zealand"[15]
	Governor-General	"Salute to the Governor-General"	The first six bars of "God Save the Queen"[16] The anthem may also be played in full.[15]
Norway	Monarch	"Kongesangen"	"The King's Song"; an adaptation of "God Save the Queen" and set to the same tune.
Papua New Guinea	Monarch	"God Save the Queen"
Philippines	President	"Mabuhay"[17] ("We Say Mabuhay")[18](Presidential march) "Honorable Salute to the President" (Marangál na Parangál sa Pangulo) (Presidential salute music)	1. The word mabuhay means "long live". The song, with music by Tirso Cruz, Sr and English lyrics by American James King Steele, was written c. 1935–40.[18] Played to announce the arrival of the President during major events, minus the four ruffles and flourishes. 2. An older version was played until 2010. A new version (with lyrics in Filipino, composed by former PSG Band Conductor Maj. Xavier Celestal) debuted in 2011 and is used in all events of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard when the President is present. It is preceded by four ruffles and flourishes, and is often performed with a 21-gun salute (military events only).
Poland	President	"Sygnał prezydencki"[19]	Played in the presence of the President when the Presidential Ensign is raised in major events
Portugal	President	"A Portuguesa"	The national anthem.
	President of the Assembly of the Republic Prime Minister Ministers and Secretaries of State	"Hino da Maria da Fonte"
Romania	President	"Marș triumfal"	Played in the presence of the President and during state visits by foreign high officials.
Russia	President	"Glory" (A Life for the Tsar)	Played during the inauguration of the President.
	President	"Президентская Фанфара" ("Presidential Fanfare")	Played as welcoming signal for the President.
Singapore	President	"Abridged version of Majulah Singapura"	First six bars only, played during state visits by foreign heads of state.[20] If during major national events the anthem is played in full.
Slovenia	Commander-in-Chief of the Slovenian Armed Forces (normally the President)	"Naprej, zastava slave"	"Forward, Flag of Glory"
Spain	Monarch	"La Marcha Real"
	Princess of Asturias	Short version of "La Marcha Real"	Played without the repeated bars.
Sweden	Monarch	"Kungssången"	"The King's Song"
Thailand	Monarch	"Sansoen Phra Barami"[21]	"The song of glorifying His Majesty's prestige". Former national anthem, still played before shows in cinemas and theatres and during all major events when the King and Queen are present.
	King	"Sadudee Jom Racha"	"Hymn to the Righteous King". Used for the ceremonies related to King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida.[22]
	Other members of the royal family	"Maha Chai"	"Grand Victory". It may be also used for the Prime Minister in very formal situations.[23]
	Other situations	"Maha Roek"	"Grand Auspice". Mainly used for the arrival of senior government officials and for inaugurations. It is also used as the General Salute Music of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.[24]
United States	President	"Hail to the Chief"[25]
	Vice President	"Hail Columbia"[25]
	Various officials[fn 2]	"Honors March 1"	32-bar medley of "Stars and Stripes Forever"[25]
	Army officers ranked major general and higher	"General's March"[25]	"Honors March 2"
	Navy officers ranked rear admiral and higher	"Admiral's March"[25]	"Honors March 3"
	Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers ranked major general and higher	"Flag Officer's March"[25]	"Honors March 4"
Venezuela	President	"Hymn to the Liberator Simon Bolivar" (Himno a Bolivar), (military band only), "Gloria al Bravo Pueblo" (short version or full version, for military band only), "National Salute March" (Marcha Regular) (for Corps of drums only)	1. Presidential march, played during the arrival of the President during major events 2. National anthem, chorus, first verse and chorus only during all events, can also be played in full or using the chorus only 3. Played during military ceremonies if a Corps of Drums is in attendance, also played as Salute March of the Flag of Venezuela if the national anthem is not used, can also be played by a military band as well if possible
	Vice President	"Vice Presidential Salute" (Honores al Vice Presidente)	Bugle call played to honor the Vice President

Historical anthems

Country	Office	Anthem	Notes
Kingdom of Afghanistan	Monarch	"Shahe ghajur-o-mehrabane ma" ("Our Brave and Dear King")	Used from 1943 until the abolition of the monarchy in 1973.
Principality of Albania/Albanian Kingdom	Monarch	"Himni i Flamurit" ("Hymn to the Flag")	The royal anthem until the abolition of the monarchy in 1943, now the national anthem.
Austrian Empire/Austria-Hungary	Monarch	"Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" ("God Save Emperor Francis")	Used with updated words for later Emperors until the abolition of the monarchy in 1918.
Siam	Monarch	"Chom Rat Chong Charoen" (1852–71) ("จอมราชจงเจริญ"; "Long live the Great King") "Bulan Loi Luean" (1871–88) ("บุหลันลอยเลื่อน"; "The Floating Moon on the Sky") "Sansoen Phra Barami" (1888–1932) ("สรรเสริญพระบารมี"; "Glorify His Prestige")	Afterward Sansoen Phra Barami changed status for Royal Salute Anthem ever since Change of rule for democratic form of government with the King as Head of State in 1932 , Which the State changed to use New National Anthem as a replacement.
Kingdom of Bavaria	Monarch	"Königsstrophe" ("King's Stanza")	An earlier version of the current state anthem glorifying the King.
Empire of Brazil	Monarch	"Hino da Independência" ("Hymn of Independence")	Used between 1822 and 1831. The current national anthem was used for the rest of the empire's existence.
Kingdom of Bulgaria	Monarch	"Anthem of His Majesty the Tsar"	Royal anthem until 1944.
Qing dynasty	Monarch	"lǐ zhōng táng yuè" (1896–1906) (""李中堂樂"; "Tune of Li Zhongtang") "Sòng lóng qí" (1906–11) ("頌龍旗"; "Praise the Dragon Flag") "Gong Jin'ou"; (1911–12) ("鞏金甌"; "Cup of Solid Gold")
Empire of China (1915–16)	Emperor Yuan Shikai	"Zhong guo xiong li yu zhou jian" ("中國雄立宇宙間"; "China Heroically Stands in the Universe")
Ethiopian Empire	House of Solomon	"Ityopp'ya Hoy" ("Ethiopia be happy")
Kingdom of Egypt	Muhammad Ali Dynasty	"Salam Affandina" ("Royal Anthem of Egypt")
Kingdom of France (c.1590–1789 & 1815–48)	King of France and Navarre	"Marche Henri IV" ("Henry IV March")	"Vive la France, Vive le roi Henri" until 1789, "Vive le princes, et le bon roi Louis" after 1815
Kingdom of France (1791–92)	King of France and Navarre	"La Nation, la Loi, le Roi" ("The Nation, the Law, the King")
First French Empire (1804–15)	Napoleon I, Napoleon II	"Chant du Départ" ("Song of the Departure")	"Chant du Départ" until 1815,
Second French Empire (1852–70)	Napoleon III	"Partant pour la Syrie" ("Departing for Syria")
Nazi Germany	Führer	"Badonviller Marsch" ("Badonviller March")
Kingdom of Greece	Monarch	"Ὕμνος εἰς τὴν Ἐλευθερίαν" ("Hymn to Liberty")	The royal anthem until the abolition of the monarchy in 1974, now the national anthem.
Kingdom of Hawaii	Monarch	"E Ola Ke Aliʻi Ke Akua" (1860–66) ("God Save the King") "He Mele Lâhui Hawaiʻi" (1866–76) ("The Song of the Hawaiian Nation") "Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" (from 1876) ("Hawaiʻi's own true sons")
British Hong Kong	Monarch, Governor of Hong Kong	God Save the Queen (first stanza only)[26]
Iran (Qajar)	Shah	"Salamati-ye Shah" ("Health of the Shah")
Iran (Pahlavi)	Shah	"Sorood-e Shahanshahi Iran" ("Imperial Salute of Iran")
Kingdom of Iraq	Monarch	"Es Salam al-Malaky" ("The Royal Salute")
Irish Free State	Governor-General	"The Soldier's Song" (1929–32); none (1932–36)	Monarchy in the Irish Free State was a requirement of the Anglo-Irish Treaty resented by nationalists. While unionists felt that "God Save the King" was appropriate anthem for the King's Irish representative, the 1927–32 government decreed that the Governor-General should leave any function at which it was played.[27] The 1933–37 government eliminated all ceremonial honours before abolishing the position entirely.[28]
Kingdom of Italy	Monarch	"S'hymnu sardu nationale" ("Inno Sardo Nazionale")	Used until the abolition of the monarchy in 1946.
Korean Empire	Monarch	"Daehan Jeguk Aegukga" ("대한 제국 애국가"; "Patriotic Song of the Korean Empire")
Kingdom of Laos	Monarch	"Pheng Xat Lao"	An earlier version of the current national anthem.
Kingdom of Libya	King Idris	"Libya, Libya, Libya"	This anthem was readopted by the National Transitional Council in 2011, as the national anthem, with the verse glorifying King Idris omitted.
Kingdom of Madagascar	Monarch	"Andriamanitra ô" ("O Lord")	Glorifies the Malagasy sovereign.
Principality of Montenegro/Kingdom of Montenegro	Monarch	"Ubavoj nam Crnoj Gori" ("To our Beautiful Montenegro")	Glorifies the Prince/King.
Kingdom of Nepal	Monarch	"Rastriya Gaan" ("May Glory Crown our Illustrious Sovereign")	Used between 1962 and 2006.
Ottoman Empire	Monarch	"Mahmudiye" (1808–39 and 1918–22) "Mecidiye March" (1839–61) "Aziziye March" (1861–76) "Hamadiye" (1876-1909) "Reşadiye" (1909–18)	From the nineteenth century, a new imperial anthem was usually composed for each Sultan.
Kingdom of Portugal	Monarch	"O Hino da Carta" ("Hymn to the Charter")	Used from 1834 until the abolition of the monarchy in 1910.
Prussia/German Empire	King of Prussia/German Emperor	"Heil dir im Siegerkranz" ("Hail to Thee in Victor's Crown")
Kingdom of Romania	Monarch	"Trăiască Regele" ("Long Live the King")
Russian Empire	Monarch	"Боже, Царя храни" ("God Save The Tsar!")	The national anthem until the abolition of monarchy—still used by some descendants of white émigrés.
Principality of Serbia/Kingdom of Serbia	Monarch	"Bože pravde" ("Lord of Justice")	An earlier version of the current national anthem glorifying the Prince/King.
Union of South Africa	Monarch	"God Save the Queen"
Sweden	Gustav III	"Gustafs skål" ("Toast to Gustaf")
	Monarch	"Bevare Gud vår kung" (1805–93) ("God Save The King")	Based on the British anthem, and with an identical melody.
Kingdom of Tunisia	Monarch	"Salam al-Bey" ("Beylical Salute")
Empire of Vietnam	Monarch	"Đăng đàn cung" ("Melody on the Ascent to the Esplanade")
Kingdom of Yemen	Monarch	"Salam al-Malaky" ("Royal Salute")	No official words.
Kingdom of Yugoslavia	Monarch	"National Anthem of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia"
Sultanate of Zanzibar	Monarch	"March for the Sultan of Zanzibar"	No words.

See also

• Loyal toast, to the head of state at banquets

Notes

1. Members of the Dutch Cabinet, Netherlands Antilles Cabinet, or Aruba Cabinet; senior Dutch military officers; Secretaries General of NATO, of the UN, and of the EU Council; EU foreign and security High Representative. (In the absence of persons entitled to the anthem).
2. State governors, chief justice, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, President pro tempore of the United States Senate, chairmen of committees of Congress, Cabinet members, Department of Defense officials ranked assistant secretary or higher, senior diplomats, brigadier generals

References

1. "National Anthem". Jamaica: King's House. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
2. "Act 390: National Anthem Act 1968; Incorporating all amendments up to 1 January 2006" (PDF). Malaysia: Commissioner of Law Revision. 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
3. "DP 20-10, Ceremonieel & Protocol; Hoofdstuk 8 Muzikaal eerbetoon". Ministeriële & Defensie Publicaties (in Dutch). Netherlands: Ministry of Defence. §§2,5,10. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
4. "¿Sabías que "La Marcha de Ituzaingó" es un atributo presidencial como la banda y el bastón?" (3 December 2015). La Nación. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
5. "16.3 Australian national anthem". Protocol Guidelines. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia). Retrieved 2009-03-11.
6. Law No 5700 of 1 September 1971 Cap.3 Sec.II Art.24.V
7. "Honours and salutes: Musical salute". Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols Promotion. Canadian Heritage. 2008-12-11. Retrieved 2009-03-11.
8. Victor, A.J. "Haitian Patriotic Songs". ayitihistory.com. Retrieved 2009-03-11.
9. "National Anthem". Department of the Taoiseach. Retrieved 2009-03-11.
10. "P. W. Joyce: Ancient Irish Music » 47 - Mór Chluana". Na Píobairí Uilleann. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
11. "Joyce, Patrick Weston (1827–1914)". Ainm.ie (in Irish). Cló Iar-Chonnacht. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
12. Ó Cuív, Brian (2010-04-01). "Irish language and literature, 1845-1921". In W. E. Vaughan (ed.). Ireland Under the Union, 1870-1921. A New History of Ireland. VI. Oxford University Press. p. 425. ISBN 9780199583744. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
13. "Amhrán Dóchais". Library. Ireland: Contemporary Music Centre. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
14. Hoedeman, Jan; Theo Koelé (5 June 2004). "Beatrix: 'Het Wilhelmus is van mij'". De Volkskrant (in Dutch). Retrieved 23 October 2011.
15. "Protocol for using New Zealand's National Anthems". Ministry for Culture and Heritage (New Zealand). Retrieved 2009-03-11.
16. "Instructions for Playing the Anthem". Encyclopaedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage (New Zealand). 1966. If the first six bars only are used, as for a salute to the Governor-General as the Queen's representative, the anthem is to be played "fortissimo" at M.M. 60 crotchets.
17. Quezon, Manuel L. (2004-06-24). "The Long view". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2009-03-11.
18. Walsh, Thomas P. (2013). Tin Pan Alley and the Philippines: American Songs of War and Love, 1898-1946 : a Resource Guide. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 271–273. ISBN 9780810886087. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
19. Music notation
20. Guidelines for playing and singing national anthems Part IV of the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules
21. Rutnin, Mattani Mojdara (1993). Dance, drama, and theatre in Thailand: the process of development and modernization. Tokyo: Centre for East Asian Cultural Studies for Unesco, the Toyo Bunko. p. 132. ISBN 978-4-89656-107-4. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
22. "หลักเกณฑ์การใช้เพลง "สดุดีจอมราชา"" (PDF) (in Thai). Office of the Prime Minister. 2018-07-23. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
23. "A collection of Thai anthems" (in Thai). Thailand: Office of Public Relations. Archived from the original on 25 June 2006. Retrieved 7 March 2012.; "A collection of Thai anthems". Thailand: Office of Public Relations. Archived from the original on 24 June 2006. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
24. TAWAT HUAHIN SUDDEE ข้างเขา หัวหิน (6 February 2012). "มหาฤกษ์ Combination RTA Band". Retrieved 19 April 2018 – via YouTube.
25. "Army Regulation 600–25: Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy" (PDF). U.S. Department of the Army. 2004-09-24. pp. 5–6, Table 2-1. Retrieved 2009-03-11.
26. "China Resumes Control of Hong Kong, Concluding 156 Years of British Rule". www.nytimes.com. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
27. Morris, Ewan (May 1998). "'God Save the King' Versus 'The Soldier's Song': The 1929 Trinity College National Anthem Dispute and the Politics of the Irish Free State". Irish Historical Studies. 31 (121): 72–90. JSTOR 30007063.
28. Bogdanor, Vernon (1997). The Monarchy and the Constitution. Oxford University Press. p. 282. ISBN 9780198293347. Retrieved 7 January 2014.