(The post of the teacher), WAB 77, is a song composed by Anton Bruckner in during his stay in Sankt Florian.
History Bruckner composed this plea for the teachers on a text possibly of Ernst Marinelli in during his stay in Sankt Florian. Bruckner dedicated the work to his superior, schoolmaster Michael Bogner.U. Harten, pp. 98-99
The song was possibly performed by the Liedertafel St. Florian for celebrating Bogner's 45th birthday.C. Howie, Chapter II, pp. 20-21U. Harten, p. 250C. van Zwol, pp. 720-721
The original manuscript of the work is lost, but copies are stored in the archives of the Liedertafel St. Florian and of the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. The work, which was first issued in Band II/2, pp. 16–22, of the Göllerich/Auer biography, is issued in Band XXIII/2, No. 4 of the .Gesamtausgabe – Weltliche Chöre
Text Der Lehrerstand uses a text possibly by Ernst Marinelli. Time points at a post, Which is little estimated, but serves everyone, Which, alas! many in this country Neither honour nor support. Do you not know this post? It is the brave post of the teacher.
That post is in its joy, When its beneficial effects Reach back to people. Work and free action Will soon end the scorn, Which was till now mostly its reward.
It hated and hates idleness, Because it only loves diligence and order. Gladly it carries the heavy burden, Is patient and never saddened, Not even when oppressed by poverty, And the family lacking bread.
It was often the mockery of the foolish, But never lost generosity, Trusting firmly in God, Who is and remains his greatest good. Always serious and modest Remaining even in joy and pain.
Do you know the post which wakes up the mind, Makes the child fit for life, It was often rewarded with disgrace Ridiculed by fools. Listen! This is the post of the teacher, Which is so useful for the fatherland.
For the welfare and happiness of people Fight further, you brave post! Your fate will change In a better fatherland, Where you will receive from God's Son Your reward shortened on earth.
Music The 84-bar long work in E-flat major is scored for choir and voice quartet. The choir starts in . On bar 14 ("Jener Stand ist in seinem Glück") the voice quartet takes it over in . On bar 45 ("Mehrmals ward er der Toren Spott"), the choir takes it over in , turning from bar 60 ("Kennt ihr den Stand, der Geister weckt") into , and from bar 72 ("Für Menschenwohl und Menschenglück") again in till the end.C. van Zwol, booklet of CD LIVA 054 This first larger work for men's choir tries for original traits, decent effects and expressive differentiation.
Discography
Thomas Kerbl, Männerchorvereinigung Bruckner 12, Weltliche Männerchöre – CD: LIVA 054, 2012 Markus Stumpner, Erinnerung - Bruckner in St. Florian, St. Florianer Sängerknaben, Solo Musica SM 450, 2024 - Arr. for Choir & Fortepiano by Franz Farnberger
References
Sources August Göllerich, Anton Bruckner. Ein Lebens- und Schaffens-Bild, – posthumous edited by Max Auer by G. Bosse, Regensburg, 1932 Anton Bruckner – Sämtliche Werke, Band XXIII/2: Weltliche Chorwerke (1843–1893), Musikwissenschaftlicher Verlag der Internationalen Bruckner-Gesellschaft, Angela Pachovsky and Anton Reinthaler (Editor), Vienna, 1989 Cornelis van Zwol, Anton Bruckner 1824–1896 – Leven en werken, uitg. Thoth, Bussum, Netherlands, 2012. Uwe Harten, Anton Bruckner. Ein Handbuch. , Salzburg, 1996. . Crawford Howie, Anton Bruckner - A documentary biography, online revised edition
External links Der Lehrerstand C-Dur, WAB 77 – Critical discography by Hans Roelofs