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
A famous German folk song about a Viennese piper during the plague. Despite its dark origins, the melody is cheerful and memorable!
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.