2018 Concert Series Gallipoli to the Somme

14. A German Episode - Baritone solo and Soprano solo. Based on Aitken’s experiences at The Somme, and August Stramm’s poem Schrei (Scream). Includes re-compositions of Der Wegweiser (The Sign post) by Schubert, ‘Death March’ from Saul by Handel – heard by Aitken played on a flute from the German trenches opposite - and Ich hatt’ einen Kameraden (I had a comrade) by von Ludvig Uhland, a traditional German war lament. The poem Schrei is by August Stramm, German soldier and poet, killed on the Eastern front, 1915. (Translations are on the right) “Einen Weiser seh’ich stehen Unverruckt vor meinem Blick; eine Strasse muss ich gehen, die noch keiner ging zuruck.” There’s a finger pointing yonder That my steadfast eye discerns There’s a road that I must wander Where no traveller returns Ich hatt’ einen Kameraden, Einen bessern findst du nit. Die Trommel schlug zum Streite, Er ging an meiner Seite In gleichem Schritt und Tritt. Tage sargen Welten gräbern Nächte ragen Blute bäumen Wehe raumen alle Räume Würgen Schwingen Und Zerschwingen Schwingen Würgen Und Zerwürgen Stürmen Strömen Wirbeln Ballen Knäueln Wehe Wehe Wehe Wehen Nichtall In battle he was my comrade, None better I have had. The drum called us to fight, He always on my right, In step, through good and bad. 17 Days encoffining Worlds cemeterying Nights tower Bloods rear Woes expand all expanses Strangle Swing And Scatter Swing Strangle And Strange Rage Steam Whirl Crumple Tangle Woes Woes Woes Woeing Notall

2018 Concert Series Gallipoli to the Somme | Page 17