The Musicians of Bremen


 This is my version of the traditional German folktale, included by the Brothers Grimm in one of their collections, about how four elderly farm animals try to start a new life away from the farm and form a musical band. There are a number of versions of this story from around the world, sharing both the comedy elements and also reflections on the ingratitude of humanity. 

As well as having something to say about the way animals are maltreated, there is doubtless a hint here of how many downtrodden labourers and servants probably felt about the way they were treated by high-handed employers. How often are people worked to exhaustion and then cast aside as no longer being viable "units"?

The statue in the photograph is to be found in the city of Bremen, where is exudes more talent and charisma than many a pop band.



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