Listening Guide
The Work
Key: D minor (E minor in piano version), with modulations to G minor and A minor, ending in C minor (D minor in piano version).
Tempo:Gemessen, dumpf (nicht schleppen) (measured, muffled (without dragging))
Time Signature: 2/2 (alla breve)
Form: strophic with rondo-like elements in several reprises of the opening theme.
Orchestration: strings omitted, except for cellos and double-basses; emphasis on lowest registers of woodwinds and use of military’ instruments (e.g., snare drum, bass drum, horns, tuba) throughout.
| Ich armer Tambourg’sell! Man führt mich aus dem G’wölb. Wär’ ich ein Tambour blieben, Dürft’ ich nicht gefangen liegen.
O Galgen, du hohes Haus, Wenn Soldaten vorbei marschiern, Gute Nacht, ihr Marmelstein’, Ich schrei mit heller Stimm’, | A poor drummer boy am I! They are taking me from my cell. Had I remained a drummer boy, I would not have lain in prison.
Oh gallows, that stand so high, When the soldiers march past Good night you stones of marble, I cry loud and clear, |