Welcome to Michigan Week

I thought I'd do something slightly different from the current schedule, it being rivalry week and all.  I'll post a short story about the Michigan/Michigan State rivalry every day until Friday night, when the MSU/Michigan preview will go up.  Let's begin!

THE ORIGINS OF "THE VICTORS"

The Victors, one of the most recognizable and beloved fight songs in the country, is well-known by any fan of college football or resident of the State of Michigan.  However, in the past decade or so, the origins of the music have come under scrutiny.  Many SMB members already know everything I'm about to say, but hey, why not get it in writing???

The composer of The Victors, Louis Elbel, first displayed his work in 1899 to give the University of Michigan a fight song.  However, a composer by the name of Michael Rosenberg released a band piece entitled "The Spirit of Liberty March" in April 1898, before "The Victors" was composed.  The trio of said piece very closely resembles the "HAIL" chorus of the UofM fight song.  Don't believe me?  Listen for yourself, the clip in question starts at 1:42:

Also, here is a more detailed account of the controversy, from the former Ann Arbor News: