Broadside ballads > 20. Zachtjes klinkt het avondklokje - Softly rings the evening bell

Zachtjes klinkt het avondklokjeListen to this song, performed by Bennie Huisman

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A young soldier is brought into a monastery that's being used as a hospital. Both his legs and his right hand have been shot off while he was fighting for his country. When his mother knocks on the door, the nurse must tell her that the boy has died. Beside his body, she collapses and dies on the spot.

The song was translated from German: 'Leise tönt die Abendglocke', which was probably written around 1870. The author and composer are unknown. The Dutch version of the song dates back to approximately 1900. A paper roll of 'Het Avondklokje' is part of the collection of the museum 'From Musical Clock to Street Organ' in Utrecht.

'Achter in het stille klooster' is sung by Bennie Huisman, accompanied by himself on accordion and by Bouke Feleus on double bass.

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