Panel: Songs for Scholz Today
Scholz’s Farewell: the soundtrack to a Chancellor’s Exit
BERLIN (AP) — As Olaf Scholz concludes his term as Germany’s ninth Chancellor, a customary großer Zapfenstreich, or Grand Tattoo, will be held in his honor at the Ministry of Defense in Berlin. The ceremony, scheduled for 9 p.m. local time Monday, includes a musical selection chosen by the outgoing Chancellor.
Scholz’s Song Choices: A Mix of Classics and Pop
In keeping with tradition, Scholz selected three pieces of music to be performed by the Bundeswehr’s staff music corps. His choices include:
- “in My Life” by The Beatles
- An extract from the “2nd Brandenburg Concerto” by Johann Sebastian bach
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (originally by Otis Redding)
The Großer Zapfenstreich dates back to the 16th century and typically includes a march, musical pieces, and the national anthem. The tradition of allowing the honored individual to select some of the music evolved over time.
Past Chancellors’ Musical tastes
scholz’s predecessor, Angela Merkel (CDU), chose “For me, it should rain red roses” by Hildegard Knef for her Großer Zapfenstreich in December 2021. The Stabsmusikkorps also performed the hymn “Great God, we praise you” and “You forgot the color film,” a 1974 hit by Nina Hagen.
A Look at Previous Selections
Hear’s a selection of songs chosen by previous leaders for their Großer Zapfenstreich ceremonies:
Gerhard Schröder (SPD, Chancellor):
- “Mackie Messer’s Moritat” (from The Threepenny Opera)
- “Summertime”
- “My Way”
Angela Merkel (CDU, chancellor):
- “You Forgot the Color Film”
- “For me It Should Rain Red Roses”
- “Great God, We Praise You”
Horst Köhler (CDU, Federal President):
- “Capfly March” (Strauss)
- “Slow march in Accordance with Frederick II”
- “St. Louis Blues”
Joachim Gauck (Non-Party, Federal President):
- “You Have to Go Over Seven Bridges” (Karat)
- “Freedom That I Mean”
- “A Solid Castle Is Our God”
karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CDU, Minister of Defense):
- “Smoke on the Water”
- “Presentation March of the Leib-Kürassier Regiment Great Elector No. 1”
- “König-Ludwig II”
Ursula von der Leyen (CDU, Minister of Defense):
- “Ave Verum”
- “Wind of Change”
- “Ode to Joy” (European Anthem)
the chosen titles often reflect the honoree’s term in office. “Respect,” for instance, was a central theme in Scholz’s election campaigns. Ursula von der Leyen’s selection of the European anthem foreshadowed her move to European politics.
Monday’s ceremony for Olaf Scholz will be broadcast live on ARD at 9 p.m. local time.
Scholz’s Farewell: A Look at the Music of a Chancellor’s Exit
What is the Großer Zapfenstreich?
The Großer Zapfenstreich, or Grand Tattoo, is a conventional military ceremony held to honor an outgoing German leader. The ceremony includes a march, musical pieces, and the national anthem.
When and where is Olaf Scholz’s ceremony taking place?
Olaf Scholz’s Großer Zapfenstreich is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time on Monday at the ministry of Defense in Berlin.
What music has Olaf scholz chosen for his farewell?
Olaf Scholz selected three pieces of music to be performed by the Bundeswehr’s staff music corps:
- “In My Life” by The Beatles
- An extract from the “2nd Brandenburg Concerto” by Johann Sebastian Bach
- “Respect” by aretha franklin (originally by Otis Redding)
Why is music selected by the honoree?
The tradition of allowing the honored individual to select some of the music evolved over time. These choices often reflect the honoree’s term in office. For example, Scholz’s selection of “Respect” mirrors a central theme in his election campaigns.
What music did Angela Merkel choose for her Großer Zapfenstreich?
Angela Merkel chose these songs for her Großer Zapfenstreich in December 2021:
- “For me, it should rain red roses” by Hildegard Knef
- “Great God, we praise you” (hymn)
- “You forgot the color film” by Nina Hagen
Can you provide a summary of musical choices by other German leaders?
Here’s a look at previous leaders and their musical selections for this ceremonial farewell:
| Leader | Role | Musical Selections |
|---|---|---|