IN SEARCH OF THE LOST ANTHEM: HISTORY, SYMBOLISM, AND MUSICAL MEMORY OF BANGU ATLÉTICO CLUBE

Abstract

This article analyzes the musical manifestations associated with Bangu Atlético Clube as cultural artifacts fundamental to the construction of its historical and symbolic identity. Situated within the context of Rio de Janeiro football and suburban culture, the study examines official and popular anthems, commemorative songs, and supporters’ chants, understanding them as expressions of social memory, territorial belonging, and symbolic cohesion. The main objective is to analyze the club’s hymnary based on the classification proposed by Souza (2009), articulating melody and lyrics as analytical dimensions, as well as to discuss the role of these compositions in preserving the club’s intangible heritage. Methodologically, the research combines documentary analysis, bibliographic review, and oral sources, including interviews and rare phonographic records, with particular emphasis on the commemorative record of the 1966 Rio de Janeiro State Championship title. The results indicate that Bangu’s musical productions predominantly feature popular melodies and historical-narrative lyrics, reaffirming values such as resistance, community pride, and working-class tradition. It is concluded that these musical expressions go beyond the sporting field, functioning as devices of memory and collective identity, while also highlighting the need for further research aimed at recovering lost sound records from the club’s history.