Music on board a naval vessel!
Not at all, it wasn't Helene Fischer breathlessly gyrating in the yards of the "Gorch Fock", that would have been a real news item with a scandalous attitude. The information that the corvette "Braunschweig" paid a visit to London wasn't really interesting enough either. After all, this is routine among NATO partners. Incoming and outgoing music for naval units is also completely normal, so it's no big deal either.
If it had been announced that the Imperial March, known as the Darth Vader's Theme was more like it. After all, the London Symphony Orchestra was conducting the honourable 92-year-old John Williams. It was a homage with a pinch of humour. The English may accuse the German of humourlessness per se, but the BBC reacted positively and with amusement. Other British media also thought it was a successful attempt. One said thoughtfully: "I'm afraid the Germans do have a sense of humour. But it took them 80 years".
And what do the media do at home? As often humourless, including the undertone. "The German navy is making a fool of itself" was reported on several news channels. Sure thing, people. You can always pick on people. Of course, readers and viewers always have a negative attitude towards almost everything, but you have to put up with that if you want to take something positive from things. Or are we more afraid of the loud indignation of a few than the appreciative but silent smiles of many?
During the Cold War, twenty or even thirty speedboats from Western NATO nations left the base at the same time for the autumn Bold Game manoeuvre - each with its own departure melody. There was still music in the harbour - but not a single line in the media!
Years ago, when a British frigate sailing from Kiel played the Badenweiler March over the upper deck, half the coast got upset. The British were accused of trying to provoke with the Führer's favourite march. It was probably just like on the "Braunschweig": to spread good humour, not to come across as stiff as a stick, without any evil ulterior motives.
Comment by: hsc/ajs
English 
German
I really enjoyed it. The guys just spread a good vibe. Keep up the good work.