Information about L Innu Malti

L-Innu Malti is the national anthem of Malta. It is written in the form of a prayer to God; It was composed by Robert Samut and the lyrics were written by Dun Karm Psaila.

History

From the mid nineteenth century up to the early 1930s, Malta was passing through a national awakening. With the increased national awareness, it was felt by many thinkers that Malta should have its own National Anthem. In 1850 Ġan Anton Vassalli composed Innu Lil Malta, which used to be played during many Maltese political manifestations and meetings. In 1922, Professor Mro. Robert Sammut composed a short melody. A year later, Dr A.V. Laferla, Director of Primary Schools in Malta, obtained possession of this composition, as he wanted to have an anthem which could be sung by students in Malta's schools. Laferla asked Dun Karm to write lyrics that would fit with Sammut's short and dignified melody. The poems of Dun Karm are well known for their religious and patriotic currents, and so are the verses written for Sammut's anthem. The hymn was already being sung in December 1922, mostly in governmental schools. The first time it was heard in public was on the 27th December 1922 and again on the 6th January 1923, during two concerts at the Manoel Theatre. However, during its two first appearances, someone had changed some verses from the first stanza. This angered Dun Karm, who protested by writing an article in a local newspaper. Eversince that day, not a single word has been changed. On the 3rd February 1923, another concert was held at the Manoel Theatre, performed by children from Sliema, with Dun Karm's original verses. The hymn was played by the Duke of Edinburgh's Band, of Vittoriosa.



The Maltese government declared the anthem as the official Maltese anthem on 22nd February 1941. The Independence Constitution 1964 confirmed it as the National Anthem of Malta, which is today one of the symbols of Maltese identity. An interesting incident occurred on 25th March 1945, in the Gżira Stadium, exactly before a football match between Malta and Yugoslavia. At that time, Malta was still under British Imperial rule, and the British Governor was present. Before the game, the band played the anthem of Yugoslavia, and then it played that of Great Britain, due to Malta's colonial status. As the governor was about to sit, the whole stadium stood up and sung the Maltese Anthem. The Governor, albeit embarrassed, stood up until the end of the anthem. The Anthem is played every day on the media, and also during all the official duties of the President of Malta, of the Prime Minister of Malta, and those of other important governmental personalities. It is played daily in schools, and during all important National activities.

Lyrics

Lil din l-art ħelwa, l-Omm li tatna isimha,

Ħares, Mulej, kif dejjem Int ħarist:

Ftakar li lilha bl-oħla dawl libbist.

Agħti, kbir Alla, id-dehen lil min jaħkimha,

Rodd il-ħniena lis-sid, saħħa 'l-ħaddiem:

Seddaq il-għaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem.

''English translation by May Butcher:

''This Motherland so dear whose name we bear!

''Guard her, O Lord, as ever Thou hast guarded!

''Keep her in mind, whom Thou hast made so fair!

''May he who rules, for wisdom be regarded!

''In master mercy, strength in man increase!

''Confirm us all, in unity and peace!

External links

• The Maltese National Anthem — Department of Information, Malta
• Constitution of Malta
• The Hymn in MIDI and MP3 format
• Biography of Dun Karm Psaila