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Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle was a French army officer and composer who is best known for writing "La Marseillaise," the national anthem of France. While this information is not directly related to your interest in music in general, it is tangentially related since "La Marseillaise" is a significant musical work. Here are some interesting facts about Rouget de Lisle and his famous composition:

1. Spontaneous Composition: "La Marseillaise" was composed in a single night. Rouget de Lisle wrote the lyrics and composed the music in April 1792 while stationed in Strasbourg. It was originally titled "Chant de guerre pour l'armée du Rhin" (War Song for the Army of the Rhine).

2. Named After Marseille: The song gained its current title, "La Marseillaise," because it was enthusiastically adopted by the volunteers from Marseille who came to Paris during the French Revolution. It became the anthem of the French Revolution.

3. Official National Anthem: In 1795, "La Marseillaise" was officially declared the national anthem of France. It has held this status ever since and is a symbol of the French Republic and its values.

4. Controversial Lyrics: The original lyrics of "La Marseillaise" contain revolutionary and militaristic themes. Some of the lines refer to "impure blood" and the desire to "water the fields with the blood of tyrants." Over time, some controversial verses have been omitted in official performances.

5. International Influence: "La Marseillaise" has influenced other national anthems, including the Italian national anthem, "Il Canto degli Italiani," which was inspired by its melody.

6. Wide Use: Beyond its role as a national anthem, "La Marseillaise" has been used in various cultural contexts, including in films, music, and as a symbol of resistance and liberty.

While Rouget de Lisle's life and work primarily revolved around this iconic anthem, it's an interesting piece of musical history with significant cultural and historical relevance.