This edition was prepared by Charles Pearson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Der Tambour
Staff Notation • Secular, Lieder
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Der Tambour by Hugo Distler — Lyrics
1. Wenn meine Mutter hexen könnt’,
Da müßt’ sie mit dem Regiment
Nach Frankreich, überall mit hin,
Und wär’ die Marketenderin.
2. Im Lager wohl um Mitternacht,
Wenn niemand auf ist als die Wacht
Und alles schnarchet, Ross und Mann,
Vor meiner Trommel säß’ ich dann:
3. Die Trommel müßt’ ein Schüssel sein;
Und ein warmes Sauerkraut darein,
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About Der Tambour
Hugo Distler, a significant composer of German Lieder, wrote this striking setting of Der Tambour for TTBB voices. The text is a vivid and humorous imaginary scenario where a soldier dreams of his mother having magical powers. If she could 'witch', she would accompany the regiment to France as a camp follower. At night, while others sleep, he would sit at his drum, imagining its head as a bowl filled with sauerkraut, drumsticks as cutlery, and his sabre as a sausage. His helmet becomes a drinking vessel for wine, and the moonlight filtering into his tent reminds him of his beloved. The song captures a playful, almost fantastical longing for home and comfort amidst the harsh realities of military life.
