- Learn famous German waltz melody
- Master 3/4 folk song style
- Develop cheerful German character
About This Song
Origin: German Folk (17th century)
Difficulty: Early Intermediate
Notes Used: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C (high)
Time Signature: 3/4
Key: F Major
Fingering Review
Full Song
A famous German folk song about a Viennese piper during the plague. Despite its dark origins, the melody is cheerful and memorable!
Practice Tips
- Waltz character: Feel the lilting 3/4 meter
- German folk style: Play with directness and clarity
- Cheerful despite subject: The melody is bright even though the text is about plague
- Singable melody: Make each phrase sing
Historical Context
This famous German song tells the story of Marx Augustin, a Viennese piper who supposedly fell into a plague pit while drunk during the great plague of 1679, but survived! The refrain "Alles ist hin" (All is lost) refers to his predicament. Despite its dark subject, the melody became one of the most beloved German folk tunes, often used for dancing and celebration. The song demonstrates German folk music's ability to find humor and resilience even in difficult times.
Performance Goal: Play with a cheerful, lilting waltz character. The 3/4 meter should dance along with German folk vitality. Make the melody sing with clarity and directness!