Old comrades (Alte Kameraden)

Old comrades (Alte Kameraden)

Old comrades (Alte Kameraden) [1] was the title of a military march written in Germany in late 19 century and Alte Kameraden has become the most popular march in the world [2], ironically in every other countries except in Germany. It is banned in Germany [2]. This ban seems real: I checked on my German CDs, where it should be there but there is no such a march.

My father once told me, when he was in his high school “Peking high-school #2” (北京二中), Alte Kameraden (旧友) was his school song.

Fortunately， we could still find it in youtube：

With lyrics in both German and English:

 

 

[1]. From Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alte_Kameraden)

"Alte Kameraden" ("Old Comrades") is the title of a popular German military march.^[1] It is included in the Armeemarschsammlung as HM II, 150.

History

Carl Teike in 1895

The march was written around 1889 in Ulm, Germany, by military music composer Carl Teike.^[2] Teike wrote many pieces for the marching band of Grenadier-Regiment König Karl (5. Württembergisches) No. 123. When bringing his newly composed march to the regiment, the Kapellmeister Oelte simply told him: "We've got plenty enough of musical marches, put this one in the stove!"^[2] This episode eventually led to Teike taking his leave of the band and naming the march as "Alte Kameraden". A publisher purchased the song from him for 25 German Goldmark.^[3] In 1895, the Nowaweser Kapelle Fritz Köhler premiered the march.^[3] Alte Kameraden later became one of the most popular marches in the world.^[3] It was played in 1937 at the coronation ceremony for English King George VI.^[3] The march can also be heard in the film Der blaue Engel.^[3] Teike later worked as a police officer but also continued composing military marches.^[3]

Due to its militaristic connotations, the march was banned in Germany after both World War I and World War II. According to one source, the march became popular among Finnish amateur photography clubs after "kameraden" was mistranslated to "cameramen" in Finnish.^[4]

It is the official parade march for the Chilean Air Force's Non Commissioned Officers School ("Escuela de Especialidades Sargento 1.º Adolfo Menadier Rojas [es]").

Lyrics:

Alte Kameraden auf dem Marsch durchs Land Schließen Freundschaft felsenfest und treu. Ob in Not oder in Gefahr, Stets zusammen halten sie auf's neu.	Old comrades on the march through the country Hold friendship rock solid and true. Whether in need or in danger Always together they keep it new.
Zur Attacke geht es Schlag auf Schlag, Ruhm und Ehr soll bringen uns der Sieg, Los, Kameraden, frisch wird geladen, Das ist unsere Marschmusik.	During the attack, things happen fast, Victory will bring us glory and honor, Come, comrades, we shall reload, This is our marching music.
Im Manöver zog das ganze Regiment Ins Quartier zum nächsten Dorfhauselement Und beim Wirte das Geflirte Mit den Mädels und des Wirtes Töchterlein.	During maneuvers, the whole regiment Took quarters in a nearby village And at the inn we had a flirt With the girls and the landlord's daughter.
Lachen scherzen, lachen scherzen, heute ist ja heut' Morgen ist das ganze Regiment wer weiß wie weit. Kameraden, ja das Scheiden ist nun einmal unser Los, Darum nehmt das Glas zur Hand und wir rufen "Prost".	Laughing joking, laughing joking, today is today Tomorrow the whole regiment will be who knows how far away. Comrades, that parting is truly now our fate So take up the glass and we shout "Cheers".
Alter Wein gibt Jugendkraft; Denn es schmeckt des Weines Lebenssaft. Sind wir alt, das Herz bleibt jung Und gewaltig die Erinnerung.	Old wine gives the strength of youth, Because the taste of wine is the elixir of life. Even if we are old, the heart stays young And grand the memories.
Ob in Freude, ob in Not, Bleiben wir getreu bis in den Tod. Trinket aus und schenket ein Und laßt uns alte Kameraden sein.	Whether in joy, whether in need, We remain faithful unto death. Drink up and pour again And let's be old comrades.
Sind wir alt, das Herz bleibt jung, Schwelgen in Erinnerung. Trinket aus und schenket ein Und laßt uns alte Kameraden sein.	Even if we are old, the heart stays young, Delighting in memories. Drink up and pour again And let's be old comrades.

[2]. Ibid.