Article

“Trutz, Blanke Hans”–Musical and Sound Recollections of North Sea Storm Tides in Northern Germany

Britta Sweers

Published in: Ethnomusicology Ireland 6 (2020)

Pages: 1-25 | Published Online: July 2020

https://doi.org/10.64208/EWNH4062

Abstract

Similar to other North Sea regions, the flat North German coastal areas have been shaped by severe storm tides and floods. Until present day, these extreme environmental phenomena have been playing a significant role in private and public memory. This article explores how these experiences are reflected in local cultural practices, particularly in traditional and popular music. As becomes apparent from a historical perspective, written and musical works that dealt directly the storm floods became only more clearly evident in the 19th century, such as Detlev von Liliencrons poem ballad “Trutz, Blanke Hans“ (1882/83). Songs dealing directly with storm floods only appeared more frequently in the 20th century. As is evident with German pop musician Achim Reichel and sea shanty band Santiano, von Liliencron’s ballad in particular became a central reference point. This article likewise explores perceptions of the actual sound of these events, which have been described as extremely or even physically loud, and which have been mostly responded by silence until present day. Analyzing the relationship between the actual threat, the sound environment, and musical practices, this article reflects on the localization of extreme environmental topics in human music making and the role of music within these extreme nature-related experiences.

Keywords: Soundscape, environmental disaster, storm tides, Achim Reichel, Detlev von Liliencron, Santiano, Northern Germany, “Trutz, Blanke Hans”, North Sea

Author: Britta Sweers