Aged between 18-32 years, they have impressed audiences and juries in their home country, Switzerland, as well as abroad with their musical performances. For example, they have won Gold medals at the World Choir Games, the Olympic games of choral singing, in Riga (Latvia 2014) and Cincinnati (Ohio 2012), and also the prizes for the best Swiss choir and the best male choir at the Montreux Choral Festival (Switzerland 2012). Moreover, the Männerstimmen Basel were recognized with the "Fleischmann International Trophy" (Ireland 2011) for the best interpretation of a contemporary piece.
This energetic choir combines passion and ease, both on and off stage. Having a laugh together is just as important as rehearsing and performing. Thanks to the sponsorship by a local brewery in their hometown Basel, the choristers' supply of amber nectar is ever flowing.
In concert, however, everyone is focused and attentive to the instructions of conductor Oliver Rudin and vice-conductor David Rossel. The choir performs a large repertoire of sacred and secular music from all epochs along with folk songs, and contemporary classical literature with ardour and style. The two conductors carefully select the pieces to satisfy the choir's high standards. Each year, the choir awards a commission to well-known contemporary composers (e.g. Rudolf Jaggi, Gion Antoni Derungs, Hans-Martin Linde, Javier Hagen). Ready for any challenge, the choir also revisits unknown and long forgotten music.
Even though the registered society Männerstimmen Basel (literally translated to "Men's voices Basel") was established only 7 years ago, the choir's musical roots reach far beyond that, as many of the members have a past in diverse choral ensembles. The choir was founded by former choristers of the boys' choir Basel (Knabenkantorei Basel) in 2008. Since then, the choir has performed all over Switzerland, in Estonia, Latvia, Macedonia, Ireland, Slovenia, and the United States.
Beresinalied
Männerstimmen Basel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jeder hat in seinem Gleise etwas, das ihm Kummer macht
Etwas, das ihm Kummer macht
Aber unerwartet schwindet vor uns Nacht und Dunkelheit
Und der schwergedrückte findet Linderung in seinem Leid
Linderung in seinem Leid
Morgen geht die Sonne wieder freundlich an dem Himmel auf
Freundlich an dem Himmel auf
Darum lasst uns weiterziehen, weichet nicht verzagt zurück
Hinter jenen fernen Höhen wartet unser noch ein Glück
Wartet unser noch ein Glück
Unser Glück
The first two lines of Männerstimmen Basel's song Beresinalied compares life to a traveler navigating through the darkness of the night. Each person has their own path to follow and struggles to face. The next two lines bring hope as the darkness fades away, and those struggling can find comfort in their pain. The chorus urges listeners to have courage and let go of their worries, reminding them that the sun will rise again tomorrow. The final two lines encourage listeners to keep moving forward and not give up, for happiness awaits beyond the distant horizon.
Line by Line Meaning
Unser Leben gleicht der Reise eines Wandres in der Nacht
Our lives resemble the journey of a wanderer in the night, unsure of what lies ahead.
Jeder hat in seinem Gleise etwas, das ihm Kummer macht
Each of us carries something in our path that brings us sorrow and hardship.
Aber unerwartet schwindet vor uns Nacht und Dunkelheit
But suddenly, the darkness and despair disappear before us.
Und der schwergedrückte findet Linderung in seinem Leid
And those burdened with pain find relief and comfort.
Mutig, mutig liebe Brüder, gebt das bange Sorgen auf
Be brave, dear brothers, and let go of your anxious worries.
Morgen geht die Sonne wieder freundlich an dem Himmel auf
Tomorrow, the sun will rise again kindly in the sky.
Darum lasst uns weiterziehen, weichet nicht verzagt zurück
Therefore, let us continue on our journey, and not turn back in despair.
Hinter jenen fernen Höhen wartet unser noch ein Glück
Beyond those distant peaks still awaits happiness for us.
Wartet unser noch ein Glück
Our happiness is still waiting for us.
Writer(s): Johann Immanuel Müller, Ludwig Giesecke
Contributed by Alyssa H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@marlenmc.9976
als wir dieses Lied das erste Mal in der Schule sangen, bewegte es mich zu Tränen, ohne, dass ich um die Geschichte der Beresina wusste,. auch heute rührt es mich sehr tief an
@michel-angelosciotti5841
Magnifique. Émouvant. Surhumain. Infiniment merci pour cette interprétation digne des anges.
Courage, courage, chers frères et soeurs.
@ALi-ou7tj
Ich bekomme jedes Mal Gänsehaut... Unglaublich!
@e.r.6039
Genial! Gänsehaut wenn der Chor einstimmt.
@scharlui
Stimmt.
Leider ist der Tenorsolo davor blutleer und verkrampft.
@fightstance
Dirigent/Conductor: Benedict Cumberbatch
@HeinzBWyss
sehr schön vorgetragen, danke1000mal
@bassuverkropp1525
That is a wonderful arrangement of this famous song.
@s.j.9665
Sehr, sehr schön
@niacha5
спасибо, очень красиво!