Gstanzl
The Gstanzl (Viennese German for "stanza") is a mocking song that is especially known in the Austrian-Bavarian regions. A Gstanzl normally consists of four lines, sometimes eight, and is sung in dialect. They can either be sung at certain dances (Landler, Steirische), or are sung without dancing.
Gstanzln (plural of Gstanzl) are normally only sung by men. The content of Gstanzln covers all areas of the life of simple people, normally of people from the country side. The Gstanzln often have punch lines and are generally humorous. They are mocking authorities like the state, emperor, the land owners, the church or the peculiarities of other people and especially women.
At occasions, where multiple Gstanzln-singers meet and alternatingly sing a Gstanzl, they try to respond and outwit each other. Good Gstanzl-singers can go for hours without repeating themselves.
Depending on the region, a Gstanzl may also be called Schnadderhüpfl, Schanderhagge, Stückl, Possen-, Trutz- und Spitzliedln, Schleifer, Haarbrecher-Gsangln, Plopper- und Plepper(lieder), Schwatzliedln, Flausen and Schmetterliedln, G'setzln, Basseln, Vierzeilige, Kurschza Liadlan, Schelmeliedle, chorze Liedle, Rappedietzle, Schlumperliedla or Rundâs.
The nature of Gstanzl is close to Rapping.
References
- Peter Ilka: Gaßlbrauch und Gaßlsprüch in Österreich; Verlag Alfred Winter, Neuauflage 1981
- Seiberl, Herbert, Palme, Johanna: Gstanzln aus dem Salzkammergut, 730 Vierzeiler: 1992 ISBN 3-9500359-1-5
- Hofer, Anton, Strohmayer, Wolfgang: Heut gemma nimmer hoam: im Auftrag der ARGE "Singen & Musizieren" im NÖ Bildungs- und Heimatwerk, Eigenverlag
- Hrsg.: NÖ Heimatpflege: Lieder aus dem Mostviertel: Mödling 1993
- Wald, Hella, Jeglitsch, Helmut: Gstanzln für's Tanzln; Eigenverlag 1998
- Falkner, Hans-Peter: 1234 Gstanzln & CD; Bibliothek der Provinz, 2. Auflage 1997