Olaf Scholz, Beatles, Zapfenstreich
- BERLIN (AP) — As Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepares to leave office,the Bundeswehr's staff music corps is preparing a unique musical send-off.
- According to a report,Scholz,a member of the SPD party,chose two pop classics and a classical piece for the ceremony.
- the Bundeswehr's Music Corps is expected to perform these pieces at the solemn appeal for Scholz, marking a departure from purely traditional military music.
Scholz’s Farewell: Beatles,Bach,and Franklin on the Playlist
BERLIN (AP) — As Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepares to leave office,the Bundeswehr’s staff music corps is preparing a unique musical send-off. Scholz has selected a diverse trio of songs for the traditional “Zapfenstreich,” a grand military tattoo held in honor of departing leaders.
A Pop,Classical,and Soulful Selection
According to a report,Scholz,a member of the SPD party,chose two pop classics and a classical piece for the ceremony. The selections include “In My Life” by The Beatles, an excerpt from Johann Sebastian Bach’s “2nd Brandenburg Concert,” and “Respect” by Aretha Franklin.
the Bundeswehr’s Music Corps is expected to perform these pieces at the solemn appeal for Scholz, marking a departure from purely traditional military music.
Tradition Meets Personal Taste
The “Zapfenstreich” tradition allows the departing leader to choose three pieces of music to be performed by the Bundeswehr’s music corps.The performance takes place at the ministry of Defense in Berlin-Mitte.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) previously selected “You Forgot the Color Film” by Nina Hagen, “For Me It Should Rain Red Roses” by Hildegard Knef, and the church song “Great God, We Praise You” for her farewell ceremony.

Merkel’s Farewell in Pictures: A Look Back
During her farewell,Merkel gave a short speech.”The 16 years as Chancellor where eventful and often very challenging years. They asked me politically and humanly. And at the same time they always fulfilled me.” She touched on the financial crisis of 2008 and the 2015 refugee crisis. She also thanked her employees and family for their support.
Scholz’s Farewell: A Musical Send-Off
What is the “Zapfenstreich” and why is it relevant to Chancellor Scholz’s farewell?
The “Zapfenstreich” is a traditional grand military tattoo performed by the Bundeswehr’s music corps, a ceremonial event held in honor of departing leaders.As Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepares to leave office, this tradition provides a unique and personal send-off.
What music did Chancellor Scholz choose for his farewell ceremony?
Chancellor Scholz selected a diverse trio of songs for his “Zapfenstreich”:
“In My Life” by The Beatles
An excerpt from johann Sebastian Bach’s “2nd brandenburg Concert”
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Why is this music selection considered unique?
scholz’s choices mark a departure from purely traditional military music. The inclusion of pop classics and a soulful piece like “Respect” reflects a more modern and personal approach to the ceremony.
Where will the “Zapfenstreich” take place?
The performance will be held at the Ministry of Defense in Berlin-mitte.
How does the “Zapfenstreich” tradition allow for personal expression?
The tradition allows the departing leader to choose three pieces of music to be performed by the Bundeswehr’s music corps. This gives the leader the opportunity to express their personality and musical preferences, adding a personal touch to the otherwise formal ceremony.
What other leaders have participated in the “Zapfenstreich” tradition?
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel also participated in the “Zapfenstreich” tradition.
What music did Angela Merkel choose for her farewell?
Angela Merkel’s selections were:
“you Forgot the color Film” by Nina Hagen
“For Me It Should Rain Red Roses” by Hildegard Knef
The church song “Great God, We Praise You”
Let’s compare the music choices of Scholz and Merkel:
Here is a table comparing the music selections by Scholz and Merkel:
| Chancellor | Song 1 | Song 2 | Song 3 |
| ——————- | ————————————– | ———————————————————— | —————————————- |
| Olaf Scholz | “In My Life” – The beatles | Excerpt from “2nd Brandenburg Concert” – J.S. Bach | “Respect” – Aretha Franklin |
| Angela Merkel | “You Forgot the Color Film” – Nina Hagen | “For Me It Should Rain Red Roses” – Hildegard Knef | “Great God, We Praise You” - Church Song |
What were some of the key moments of Angela Merkel’s farewell?
During her farewell, Merkel gave a short speech, reflecting on her 16 years as Chancellor, highlighting the challenges and achievements of her time in office. She mentioned the financial crisis of 2008 and the 2015 refugee crisis, and also thanked her employees and family for their support.
