Meaning & Performance
The Arbeit (Swiss: Der Arbeit; Austrian: Schanz-Streich) likely serves as a work call, though no concrete information could be located in Hessian or Prussian regulations.
It’s possible that is functioned like the British fatigue call or pioneer’s march, in which the call served as an assembly for those assigned to a fatigue detail.
Alternatively, it might work like the French La Fasçine, which was beaten at various points throughout the day to indicate that fatigue parties should commence work or cease work (for breaks like lunch).
Drum Beatings
There are no existing Prussian or Hessian beatings for Arbeit.
The Austrian 1807 regs include a beating called “Schanz-Streich” which is their version of a work call or fatigue call. This beating is in 2/4 and 4 measures (though essentially 2 measures repeated). As all the Arbeits in the Darmstadt MSs were in 6/8 or 3/8, it would not be a good fit.
Based on the simple structure of the 6/8 tunes in the Darmstadt MS, the English Pioneer’s Call beating is a simple 6/8 that will fit them both.
Prussian Arbeit
Interpretation for Hessian Use
Drum beating is ‘The Pioneer’s March’ from the English duty in ‘Young Drummers Assistant’ (c1780).
Fife part is the Arbeit listed under the Prussian ordonnance in the Darmstadt MS.
To learn how to play the other major Prussian duty calls, check out:
Have more information about Hessian or Prussian music, contact me or comment below.