Our VIA REGIA-Song: "Es führt über den Main..."
(Trad./ F. Kukuck) - Duo Balance
The creation of the song
The text is based on the tradition of medieval dances of death, and the music was composed by Felicitas Kukuck, who also wrote the final two verses. The first six verses were handed down from her sister at the Pestalozzi-Fröbel House in Berlin in the 1930s.
The composer Felicitas Kukuck was a student of Paul Hindemith. The song "Es führt über den Main" (It Leads Over the Main) is one of her best-known pieces.
The Old Bridge in Frankfurt am Main
The song refers to the Old Bridge in Frankfurt am Main. It is the oldest and, until the mid-19th century, the only stone bridge on the lower reaches of the Main River. It was described as follows in the accompanying volume to the exhibition "Es führt über den Main: Frankfurt's Old Bridge, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" (2010): "First documented in 1222, Frankfurt's Old Bridge marks a crossroads in the heart of Europe, which also set the tone for the city's development. The bridge converged on the streams of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela [VIA REGIA] and Rome, it enabled the electors to gather in Frankfurt for the election and coronation of the Holy Roman-German kings and emperors, and it created the conditions for a supra-regional market from which the Frankfurt Trade Fair and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange developed."
The VIA REGIA in Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt is located along the VIA REGIA. Coming from the east, a branch led through the Friedberger Gate into the city. The bridge over the moat was not directly in line with the tower's axis, but was shifted eastward for defensive purposes. Thus, after crossing the moat, one had to walk a short distance along the outside of the wall to reach the actual gate.From the city, one traveled westward through the Galgen Gate (now Gallus Gate), past the "Gutleuthof," and via Griesheim along the banks of the Main River to the mouth of the Nidda in Nied, where the route rejoined the VIA REGIA to Mainz.
Text
| Es führt über den Main Eine Brücke von Stein. Wer darüber will gehn, Muß im Tanze sich drehn. Fa la la la la, Fa la la la. Kommt ein Fuhrmann daher, Hat geladen gar schwer. Seiner Rösser sind drei, Und sie tanzen vorbei. Fa la la la la, Fa la la la. Und ein Bursch ohne Schuh Und in Lumpen dazu, Als die Brücke er sah, Ei, wie tanzte er da. Fa la la la la, Fa la la la. Kommt ein Mädchen allein Auf die Brücke von Stein, Faßt ihr Röckchen geschwind, Und sie tanzt wie der Wind. Fa la la la la, Fa la la la. |
Und der König in Person Steigt herab von seinem Thron, Kaum betritt er das Brett, Tanzt er gleich Menuett. Fa la la la la, Fa la la la. Liebe Leute herbei! Schlagt die Brücke entzwei! Und sie schwangen das Beil, Und sie tanzten dabei. Fa la la la la, Fa la la la. Alle Leute im Land Kommen eilig gerannt: Bleibt der Brücke doch fern, Denn wir tanzen so gern! Fa la la la la, Fa la la la. Es führt über den Main Eine Brücke von Stein. Wir fassen die Händ, Und wir tanzen ohn End. Fa la la la la, Fa la la la. |
Noten
The song sung by Felicitas Kukuck
On her website Felicitas Kukuck sings her own composition a capella:
www.felicitaskukuck.de/sounds/MainFee.mp3
Duo Balance
Peter Tries and Christine Maringer-Tries made music together for more than 30 years. They were the "Duo Balance" until Peter Tries's death.In their concerts and on CDs, they evoked memories and hopes with their songs.Since 1986, the "Duo Balance" has released eight CDs. The two musicians have appeared on numerous television programs, including "Kein schöner Land" and "Sonntagstour." Their well over 1,000 live performances include many benefit concerts. They have received numerous awards for their musical performances and their cultural and social commitment. "Die Brücke über den Main" (The Bridge over the Main) was released on the 2003 CD "Grenzenlos" (Without Borders). (Order No.: CD 8691)