Teodoro Rojo

Photograph of Teodoro Rojo attending a Riojanian convention in 1844

**Teodoro Ciríaco Rojo** (*sometime around* 1800 - 1848, *missing, presumed dead*) was a Spanish composer that became famous in Riojania for composing the hymn of the Kingdom of Riojania, *"En la Batalla Unido Fraternal"*.

He is today hailed as a brilliant musician in writings of the Kingdom of Riojania, while being praised as a revolutionary thinker in Northern Riojania.

In 1848, he published flyers propagating the democratic ideals of the ongoing German Revolution. Shortly after, he vanished without a trace. Most historians nowadays agree that most likely King José I. was at least partly involved in the suspected political assassination.

## Life and career

### Early life

Teodoro Rojo wasbornin Barcelona**,** Spain sometime around 1800. Not much is known of his earliest years; he probably was the son of a farmer's family. Rojo grew up in a world dominated by the developments following the French Revolution and the Congress of Vienna. After visiting the *Universitat de Barcelona,* Rojo roamed the Catalonian countryside and lived the life of a romantic poet, as was common for young people at the time.

### Revolutionary ideas

With the July Revolution of 1830 in France, Rojo was introduced to ideas of democracy, liberalism and the concept of universal human rights. This lead to Rojo becoming interested in establishing a democratic republic in Spain and abolishing the Spanish monarchy. At the same time, Rojo developed a sympathy for Spain's colonies, comparing their plight to the suffering of the Catalan people under the Spanish rule.

When he took part in a protest against the Spanish king Ferdinand VII. in 1832, Rojo, amongst others, was arrested and put in prison for more than a year. When he was released in late 1833, he continued to organize protests and strikes against the Spanish rule in Catalonia.

In 1834, a bounty was put on his head by royal decree of Queen Isabella II., who was an infant at the time. As the Carlist faction tried to usurp power from her, the regency council persecuted any dissidents without restraint.

As a result, Rojo fled the country; first, to France, and in 1835 to the Spanish island colony of Riojania.

### Years in Riojania (1835-1845)

Teodoro Rojo arrived in Riojania in 1835, at a time when the colony was in the midst of a rebellion against Spanish rule. The rebels, led by General Gonzalo de Narro, had declared the independence of Riojania in 1834 and were fighting for recognition from the Spanish government. Rojo quickly joined the rebels, using his skills as a composer and performer to rally support for the cause.

In 1842, Rojo composed "En la Batalla Unido Fraternal", a song that became the official hymn of the rebel government. The lyrics, which spoke of unity and brotherhood, resonated with the rebels and the song became a rallying cry for the independence movement. Rojo also used his compositions to criticize the Spanish authorities and to encourage resistance against colonial rule.

As the rebellion dragged on, Rojo became increasingly radicalized and began to openly call for the establishment of a democratic republic in Riojania. He also supported the abolition of slavery, which was still practiced in the colony at the time. His views put him at odds with many of the other rebels, who were primarily concerned with securing independence from Spain rather than implementing radical political changes.

Despite his disagreements with the other rebels, Rojo remained a valuable asset to the independence movement. His compositions inspired the rebels and his performances helped to raise morale. In 1845, the rebels finally secured independence from Spain and the Kingdom of Riojania was established. Rojo was honored for his contributions to the rebellion and was given a position in the new government.

### Musical career in Europe (1845-1848)

After the success of "En la Batalla Unido Fraternal", Rojo received many invitations to perform his music in Europe. In 1845, he left Riojania for the continent and spent the next three years touring and performing in cities such as Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and London. In these years, Rojo composed several more pieces of music that gained popularity in Europe, including "El Canto de la Libertad" and "El Himno de los Trabajadores".

### Revolutionary activity and disappearence

Teodoro Rojo's time in Europe was marked by his involvement in the German Revolution of 1848. He became a vocal supporter of the democratic and socialist ideals espoused by the revolutionaries and even published flyers advocating for their cause. However, his involvement in these revolutionary activities likely made him a target for the authorities. In late 1848, Rojo disappeared without a trace and was never seen again. Many speculate that he was the victim of a political assassination, possibly at the hands of the King of Riojania, José I. Despite extensive searches, no trace of Rojo was ever found and he is assumed to be dead.

## Musical Works

### *Balada de un Hombre y una Belleza (1833)*

This song, written while Rojo was still living in Spain, tells the story of a man who is in love with a woman who is out of his reach. It is a classic tale of unrequited love, set to a lively melody.

### *Hermoso Puerto de la Bahía (1836)*

(Beautiful Bayport Harbor) is a nostalgicically romantic ballad about the city of Bayport, one of the most important ports in Riojania. Rojo's poetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of the city's bustling harbor, with its ships coming and going and the colorful cast of characters that populate it. The song's melody is equally evocative, with a lively and infectious rhythm that captures the energy and vibrancy of Bayport. It quickly became a popular favorite in Riojania and remains so to this day, with many people knowing the lyrics by heart.

### *¡Ay no! Guadalupe (1838)*

This song is a lament for the executed leader of the Communal Republic of Riojania, Guadalupe Jordà. It is a poignant reminder of the violence and political upheaval that characterized the early years of Riojania's history.

### *En la Batalla Unido Fraternal (1842)*

This song, which became the national anthem of the Kingdom of Riojania, celebrates the unity and brotherhood of the people of Riojania. It is a rallying cry for the people to come together and stand strong in the face of adversity.

### *Recuerdos Románticos de Riojania (1845)*

This song is a nostalgiciac ode to the beauty and romance of Riojania. It is a celebration of the island's natural wonders and the love that can be found there.

### *Necesitamos "Veranderung" (1848)*

This song, written during the German Revolution, advocates for the need for change and progress in society. It calls for the people to rise up and demand a better future for themselves.

## Opposition to King José I. and Disappearance

Teodoro Rojo was an outspoken critic of King José I. and the Riojanian monarchy. He believed that the monarchy was a corrupt and oppressive institution that hindered the progress and prosperity of the people of Riojania. In 1847, he published a series of pamphlets and flyers calling for the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a democratic republic in Riojania. These pamphlets were widely circulated throughout the country and sparked widespread discontent among the people.

Teodoro Rojo's revolutionary activity and subsequent disappearance in 1847 and 1848 has remained a mystery to this day. There are several competing theories about who may be responsible for his disappearance. Some believe that he was targeted by agents of the Spanish monarchy, while others suspect that he may have been the victim of a political assassination carried out by the Carlist faction. Still others believe that he may have been kidnapped by anti-revolutionary forces, or that he simply disappeared on his own accord to avoid persecution. Despite extensive investigations, no concrete evidence has ever been found to support any of these theories, and Rojo's fate remains unknown.

## Legacy

In the Kingdom of Riojania, Teodoro Rojo is remembered as a talented composer who wrote the nation's official hymn, "En la Batalla Unido Fraternal". His contribution to the musical culture of the kingdom is often celebrated, with numerous statues and memorials erected in his honor. However, his radical political beliefs and involvement in revolutionary activity are often downplayed or ignored.

In the United Socialist States of Northern Riojania, Rojo is remembered as a hero of democracy and a champion of human rights. His involvement in the struggle for independence from the Kingdom of Riojania and his promotion of democratic ideals are seen as key to the development of the USSNR as an anarcho-syndicalist society. Rojo is often celebrated in literature and art, with numerous songs and poems written in his honor.

Around the world, Rojo is not as well-known as other figures in the history of classical music. However, his contributions to the development of Riojanian music and his role in the struggle for independence in Riojania have made him an important figure in the cultural history of the region.