JAVS Fall 2012

Figure 13. The folksong and text from F. M. Böhme that served as the basis for the fugato section ( Der Gutzgauch auf dem Zaune saß ) of Der Schwanendreher , movt. II. 27

The cuckoo sat on the fence It rained a lot and he got wet.

Later on the sunshine came; The cuckoo became handsome and elegant.

Then he spread his wings And flew there over the water. 28

Movement III

The finale of the concerto bears the title Variationen “Seid ihr nicht der Schwanendreher ” (no. 315 in Böhme, with the title Der Schwanendreher ) ; see figure 14. 29 The manuscript source of music and text is dated 1603. Having finally reached the movement from which the concerto takes its title one cannot fail to be a little con fused—why did Hindemith choose such an obtuse and seemingly nonsensical title for such an austere and emo tionally charged work? What is Der Schwanendreher? The folksong certainly has a convivial character and melody, providing a sprightly end to the concerto.

although many possible solutions have been attempted. I have summarized Ian Kemp’s clearly formulated and thorough research on various points below. 31 1. Böhme’s title must have been derived from the second verse where the “ Schwanendreher ” was described as the “keeper of poultry on noble estates,” although there was no explanation on what the swanturner actually turned. 2. Willy Strecker, Hindemith’s publisher from Schott, thought that the word “ Schwanendreher ” might refer to a “barrel-organ player who attracted custom at fairs by placing a decorated swan on his instrument.”

Hindemith’s reasons and the meaning behind his choice of this text still remain shrouded in mystery,

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