Why are national anthems almost always orchestral?

. UK edition

Three men in blue tracksuits hold their right hands on their hearts and belt out the national anthem
Stirring stuff … Italy’s men’s rugby union team give it some before their Six Nations match against England in 2023. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

Why are national anthems almost always orchestral? When – and by whom – was it decided that brass and strings best represent a country’s identity? Where are the power-pop or folk varieties? Ross Gomes, by email

Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@theguardian.com. A selection will be published next Sunday.