The original Uruguay National Anthem holds the distinction of being the longest national anthem at nearly five minutes long. Composed by Francisco José Debali and Fernando Quijano, and written by Francisco Acuña de Figueroa, the song was officially named the Uruguay National Anthem in 1833. It is also an interesting fact that Francisco Acuña de Figueroa is also the author of Paraguay's National Anthem.
While this song is still the original National Anthem of Uruguay, in 1938 the Uruguay government acted to modify the song. Those modifications made by Gerald Grasso and Benone Calcavecchia rearranged the composition using only the first two verses of the original anthem. Here is a look at the longest National Anthem after it was modified and as it is sung today.
Easterners, the Fatherland or the grave, Liberty or with glory we die! It is the vow that the soul pronounces, and which, heroically we will fulfill! Which we will fulfill! It is the vow that the soul pronounces, and which, heroically we will fulfill. Which we will fulfill! We will fulfill! We will fulfill! Liberty, Liberty, Easterners! This cry saved the fatherland Which her brave warriors, in fierce battles with sublime enthusiasm fill´d. This Holy gift of Glory we have deserved Tyrants: Tremble! Tyrants: Tremble! Liberty in combat we will Cry Out! And even dying, Freedom we shall also Shout! Liberty in combat we will Cry Out! And even dying, Freedom we shall also Shout! Freedom we shall also Shout! Easterners, our nation or the grave, Liberty or with glory we die! It’s the vow that the soul pronounces, and which, heroically we will fulfill. Which we will fulfill! It’s the vow that the soul pronounces, and which, heroically we will fulfill. Which we will fulfill! We will fulfill! We will fulfill!
The Uruguay National Anthem also aligns with the Country's motto, "liberty or death." Although the Anthem is also widely reported to have been taken from Donizetti's opera, composer Francisco José Debali is still recognized as its composer based on the additional measures and elaboration of Donizetti's work.
It is also obvious when comparing the original Uruguay National Anthem with this shorter rendition, that the context and body of the work were kept largely intact. While Uruguay may no longer be able to claim to have the longest national anthem, there is no doubt about the pride of this song and the love its citizens have for their anthem and country.