OBERSTDORF 7 - AUF WIEDERSEHN

This is the Last Post (forgive the pun) in the Oberstdorf Series (No. 7 of 7). Sabina went to great trouble to get us all singing - given that there were 4 languages! We liked the tunes of her German songs but did not understand the words!

However, what better tune to try out - and eventually use - than the very international Auld Lang Syne!

Dietrich translated Auld Lang Syne into German as printed below. When sung it scans perfectly. Well done, Dietrich! Robert Burns would be proud of you!

Auld Lang Syne in German

Nehmt Abschied, Brüder, ungewiß ist alle Wiederkehr,
die Zukunft liegt in Finsternis und macht das Herz uns schwer.
Der Himmel wölbt sich übers Land, ade, auf Wiedersehn,
Wir ruhen all in Gottes Hand, lebt wohl, auf Wiedersehn.


Nehmt Abschied, Brüder, schließt den Kreis, das Leben ist ein Spiel,
und wer es gut zu spielen weiß, gelangt ans große Ziel.
Der Himmel wölbt sich übers Land, ade, auf Wiedersehn,
Wir ruhen all in Gottes Hand, lebt wohl, auf Wiedersehn

* * * * * * * *

Auld Lang Syne in English

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne!

Robert Burns (1759 -1796)
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Note 1: There are more verses but the verses here are what are normally sung in, our experience, of 'everyday' practice.

THE MUSIC

Fiddles etc play in the key of G. F is easier for audience singing. C gives you the basic idea.

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Note 2: The tune, again, which is normally sung at the end of the evening at parties and public events, is one that is 'Traditional' and was used, i.e. 'adapted', by Burns' publisher for Burns' song. Burns' own tune to his words is different, but equally beautiful.