Spain’s national anthem, “Marcha Real,” has a melody whose composer is officially unknown.
“Marcha Real” means “Royal March.” It is one of the world’s oldest national anthems still in use, with the melody appearing in a 1761 collection of military marches compiled by Manuel de Espinosa de los Monteros. The melody was once attributed to Frederick the Great of Prussia, but that attribution is not accepted as established fact.
Spain is also unusual because the anthem currently has no official lyrics. Several lyric proposals have been made, but none has gained permanent official adoption. Ceremonial performances therefore use the instrumental melody.
The anthem’s use has changed with Spain’s political history. It was used by the monarchy, replaced during the Second Republic, and restored after the Franco era and Spain’s return to constitutional monarchy.