|
Words
by: Dun Karm Psaila
Music by: Robert Sammut
In 1922, Samut composed, among other things, a short hymn-like melody. A year later, Dr
Laferla, Director of Primary Schools in
Malta, obtained the melody, and asked the
well- known priest
Rev. Karmenu Psaila (alias Dun Karm)
(1871-1961) to write the lyrics for it as a
school hymn. Dun Karm began writing, and
suddenly conceived the idea of writing a
hymn in the form of a prayer to the
Almighty.
Dun Karm, who was later to become Malta's
National Poet, wanted to bridge the gap
existing between the political parties
and to unite all with the strong
ties of religion and
patriotism.
|
|
|
|
|
L-Innu Malti was sung in schools soon
afterwards but was first performed publicly on 27 December 1922 and again on 6 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. Ever since that day,
not a single word has been changed.
On 3rd February 1923 another concert was held at the
lavish Manoel Theatre organised by the Għaqda
Kittieba tal-Malti. The anthem was played by the
Birgu Soċjetà Mandonilistka, and performed by the
children of Sliema Government girl's school, with
Dun Karm's original verses.
Orchestration was later composed by Maestro Vincenzo
Ciappara for the King's Own Band and played on the
8th September 1936.
The Maltese government declared the anthem as the
official Maltese anthem in 1945.
L-INNU MALTI
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 OF THE MALTESE NATIONAL
ANTHEM:
Guard her, O Lord, as ever Thou hast guarded!
This Motherland so dear whose name we bear!
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!
|
