Meaning & Performance
There were no specific references to a drummer’s call in Hessian or Prussian regulations, but it’s probable that one existed for the general purpose of assembling the musicians.
Drum Beatings
Kastner includes this 3-part drum beating, titled only in the French style “L’appel pour les Tambours”.
Drummers’ Call is likely beaten by the guard drummers.
The delayed start for the 2nd and 3rd parts is an interesting detail.
There were perhaps enough Guard Drummers at the main guard to play this 3-part version. Or possibly the slow start represents the various drummers joining in as they hear the beating start.
Fife Tunes
Like the Drum Beating, Kastner’s melody is the first evidence of a Prussian Drummer’s Call.
Like the drum beating, it also appears in 3-parts.
Prussian Drummer’s Call
Music from Kastner, labelled ‘L’appel pour les Tambours’ (the call for the drummers).
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.