Die Unstillbare Gier by Jim Steinman Concert Band - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1624977

This arrangement is based on the 2009 Vienna revival of Tanz der Vampire, but includes both the original German lyrics and the English lyrics as they appeared on Broadway. In addition to the vocal soloist, there are exposed solos for Oboe, French Horn in F, and Piano/Keyboard. Amplification of the vocal soloist is recommended. Though the character of von Krolock has traditionally been performed by male artists and is scored in the tenor vocal range, do not feel you need to be constrained by this when considering vocal solists.

"Die Unstillbare Gier" (lit. The Insatiable Greed) is a powerful solo from the German musical Tanz der Vampire (Dance of the Vampires), composed by Jim Steinman with lyrics by Michael Kunze. The song is performed by Count von Krolock, the show's enigmatic vampire lord, near the climax of the musical.

In this deeply introspective and tragic number, Krolock laments his eternal existence, expressing his sorrow over the unending hunger that defines his vampiric nature. He reflects on his lost humanity, the countless lives he has taken, and his inability to escape his cursed fate. It closes with his prediction for the future, that immoral, indestructible, all consuming greed will control us all.The song blends Steinman’s signature rock-opera style with haunting orchestration, creating a dramatic and emotionally charged moment in the show.

"Die Unstillbare Gier" has become one of the most iconic songs from Tanz der Vampire, often praised for its darkly poetic lyrics and the sheer vocal intensity required of the performer. It is a highlight of the musical and a showcase piece for actors portraying Count von Krolock.

Though an attempt was made to bring Tanz der Vampire to Broadway, Steinman ultimately distanced himself from the production over artistic differences with Michael Crawford. The Broadway production closed after only 56 performances. “Endless Appetite” is one of the few pieces that remained true to the original German text and orchestration.

The opening oboe solo is a haunting reminder of a melody from “Einladung Zum Ball” (Invitation to the Ball), heard earlier in the show. The melodic material of “Die Unstillbare Gier” was originally recorded by American singer Meat Loaf for the 1993 album Bat Out of Hell 2: Back into Hell under the title “Objects In The Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are”.

This arrangement has been transposed up one half step to make the wind band parts more accessible. It is also available in the original key.