"Stand Tall, Talossans!"

[kri]

Azul!

One of the things to discuss at TalossaFest this year is the prospect of a new national anthem, something I've been kicking around now for almost a year. As you may know, I have written "Stand Tall, Talossans," to be a possible anthem.

This is actually the English version of a Talossan-language song (Chirluschâ àl Glhetg) which was written way back in the early 1990s. In its Talossan version it is a bit more parochial, being a paean to the Talossan language. The English version has much 'broader' words, making it a patriotic anthem for Talossans of all stripes.

Here are the lyrics as they are right now. I'm still not satisfied with some of it (it's not 'lofty' and 'poetic' enough) but hopefully we can have creative input from the folks here on Wittenberg and the folks there at TalossaFest, so we can have a collectively-written national anthem that really expresses who we all are as a nation!

What I was trying to do with the wording is to create a national anthem for Talossa, that will express many of the concepts that make our community distinct and unique. Whether I've succeeded, of course, is up to you...

STAND TALL, TALOSSANS

Stand tall, Talossans,
the peninsula defend.
No foe nor villain
can your love of country rend.
Raise high your banner,
your passion penned unto:
“Loyal to Talossa,
let our minds and hearts be true.”<br>
Read by the torch of
bright traditions red and green,
Our kingdom’s story
is yours to be lived and seen.
Press, glheþ and culture,
a heritage of fun:
Send out the message
that’s inviting everyone!

We are the future
of this ancient, gallant land.
Hold fast the fortress
while citizen rolls expand.
Watch on the river;
raise the noble, fervent cry:
“Go tell the nations
that no Cestoûr am I!”<br>
***

Ben

[kri]

Azul, Talossan musicophiles!

Yesterday's TalossaFest had a lengthy discussion of my proposed RT national anthem, "Stand Tall, Talossans." There was input from a number of people with solid musical backgrounds, especially Gary Cone and Tomás Gariçéir -- the latter even performing the tune of the proposed anthem on a convenient electronic keyboard in the living room. Even Wes Erni chimed in with notes on rhyme.

What was not agreed on, was any major change to the proposed wording. So what I posted above remains, it appears, conformant to the majority's views on the subject.

The debate was very healthy. Wes Erni pointed out how the first and third stanzas were much more traditionally 'anthemy' than the second, which is much less bombastic.

One possible change that we debated, without the debate possibly being resolved, is noted below where I reprint the words. I hope that as many people on Witt can comment as possible on this issue and on the issue generally of "Stand Tall, Talossans," so that legislation concerning establishing it as our national anthem can be submitted to the September, 2004 Clark.

Thanks!

Ben

*****

STAND TALL, TALOSSANS

Stand tall, Talossans,
the peninsula defend.
No foe nor villain
can your love of country rend.
Raise high your banner,
your passion penned unto:
“Loyal to Talossa, [or: "Loyal to our sovereign"?]
let our minds and hearts be true.”<br>
Read by the torch of
bright traditions red and green,
Our kingdom’s story
is yours to be lived and seen.
Press, glheþ and culture,
a heritage of fun:
Send out the message
that’s inviting everyone!

We are the future
of this ancient, gallant land.
Hold fast the fortress
while citizen rolls expand.
Watch on the river;
raise the noble, fervent cry:
“Go tell the nations
that no Cestoûr am I!”

[markymark]

I find the song to be quite stirring, I would love to hear a musical rendition of it at some point by some of Talossa's talented musicians!

[markymark]

One more thing, what would happen to "Tusk?" It should receive honourable mention in the bill and be designated as a "patriotic song."

[Lord Q]

Did Tomas play the tune by ear, or did he use the music his brother wrote down? Remember, we decided a while back that it was incorrectly notated. I have the correct version of it upstairs somewhere...one of these days I'll find it too.

[kri]

Tomás first played what his brother had written down, and then I corrected small parts of it, and then Tomás was playing it over and over perfectly, like he'd written it himself. It was really cool!

BTW, what do y'all think about the line "Loyal to our sovereign" rather than "Loyal to Talossa"? I'm becoming more partial to the change, for two reasons.

First, tossing the name of the country around over and over in a national anthem is tiresome and reminds me of JJ's parody anthem from years back ("O! Hail to Talossa! Hail to Talossa! Hail to Talossa! Long live King Ben!").

Second, including a reference to the monarchy (there is none presently) would be a nice assertion of our national identity.

What do you think?

Ben

[markymark]

I think some reference to the monarchy should be made- it would be a welcome addition (especially in light of recent events).

[Lord Q]

KRI said:

Tomás first played what his brother had written down, and then I corrected small parts of it, and then Tomás was playing it over and over perfectly, like he'd written it himself. It was really cool!

Between the two of you then I'll bet you have down what I copied down from the file of you singing it. Cool.

Reference to the Monarchy would make a lot of sense.

With regard to Tusk, I think that it could have a place in the OrgLaw as the National Song or something like that.

[kri]

>Between the two of you then I'll bet you have down what I copied down from the file of you singing it. Cool.

The only problem is he can read music but not write it. You, I presume, can write it? I have no clue either way (though I can follow along with hymns and see how they sort of relate to those scribbles on the page!)

>Reference to the Monarchy would make a lot of sense.

When I submit the words in legislation (next month, if not tomorrow) I will use the "loyal to our sovereign" line and leave it at that. Thanks for your support!

>With regard to Tusk, I think that it could have a place in the OrgLaw as the National Song or something like that.

The bill I've submitted gives constitutional recognition to Tusk as well as to JJ's Talossan tune from years back as "patriotic songs", and encourages the government to support our musical heritage.

Ben

[Lord Q]

KRI said:

The only problem is he can read music but not write it.

How is that possible?

You, I presume, can write it?

Aye. They make you do that kind of crap for four semesters in college. I shouldn't call it crap; it's only crap to those who have bad teachers. I had an excellent one.

[kri]

Funny... I just went online to get the words to "Stand Tall, Talossans," since I can't find them on my computer, and here was the thread at the top of the page due to your reply.

I think a lot of people have a 'passive' knowledge of musical notation, that is, they can read it but they can't write it. Maybe I'm out to lunch.

I need to do a new vocal rendition for the RT home page now! Any progress on transcribing it?

Ben

[markymark]

Great to hear about the anthem, it will have my full support.

"Stand Tall Talossans!"