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Die Westfälischen Nachtigallen
Their Music and Biography (1960s–1980s popularity and beyond)
Biography
Die Westfälischen Nachtigallen were a German girls’ choir based in Ahlen (North Rhine–Westphalia). They became widely known through recordings, radio/TV appearances, and performances with well-known German entertainers—especially during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
The choir’s roots reach back to 1948, when it began as a children’s choir in Ahlen under the direction of Dietmar Hahn. Over time, the ensemble developed into an established girls’ choir and gained a significant public presence through broadcast work and touring.
In an era when television and radio shaped popular culture, the choir helped bring traditional songs, seasonal music, and light popular repertoire into family living rooms—often with a bright, clean choral sound that became recognizable to audiences.
Quick facts
- Type: Girls’ choir (Mädchenchor)
- Home city: Ahlen, Germany
- Founded: 1948
- Noted for: TV/radio appearances, recordings, touring performances
Source note: The summary above
is based on publicly available historical notes and
discography references (see linked sources in the Gallery
and song references).
Featured Songs (YouTube)
Below are curated performances/recordings on YouTube. Each thumbnail is clickable and opens the performance in a new tab. If you ever find a better performance, simply replace the YouTube link for that entry.
1) “Spiel mir eine alte Melodie”
A classic recording associated with their popular repertoire.
3) “Ihr Kinderlein kommet” (1983)
A seasonal favorite associated with their Christmas repertoire.
5) “Petersburger Schlittenfahrt”
A lively, classic winter-time piece (TV-era clip).
A warm, uplifting recording often associated with their style.
1. Scheine, liebe Sonne scheine (Shine, dear sun shine)a
2. Ein neuer Tag (A new day)
3. Hämmerchen-Polka
4. Medley Wanderlieder 1975
5. O du fröhliche (O you merry one)
6. Muss i denn zum Städtele hinaus? (Do I have to go out to the little town?)
7. Komm lieber Mai (Come dear May)
9. Neuschnee in Winterberg (Fresh snow in Winterberg)
10. (A hunter from the Electoral Palatinate)
11. Eisenbahnpolka (Railway polka)
12. So viel Schwung (So much momentum)
13. Seemann, laß das Träumen (Sailor, stop dreaming)
14. Wenn hier een Pott mit Bohnen steiht 1966 (When a pot of beans steals here)
15. Pudelmütze (Bobble hat)
Photo Gallery
