Bruns hammer program web

Yale University Collection of Musical Instruments presents

M a rt i n B r u n s baritone

C h r i s t o p h h a mm e r fortepiano

in

Liederabend Schumann’s Liederkreis and selected songs by Schubert, Lachner, and Liszt 15 Hillhouse Avenue New Haven Sunday 5 October 2014 3:00 P.M.

Yale University Collection of Musical Instruments

cover painting: “Man and Woman Contemplating the Moon”

German Romantic-era painting by German painter Caspar David Friedrich, 1824

presents

This concert is made possible by the generous support of the Associate Members of the Collection Remaining concerts on this season’s series

November 16 - Back to the Future 3:00 pm John Holloway, violin Jane Gower, dulcian Lars Ulrik Mortensen, harpsichord

January 25 - Four Nations Ensemble 3:00 pm Charles Brink, flute Tatiana Chulochnikova, violin Olivier Brault, violin Loretta O’Sullivan, cello Andrew Appel, harpsichord

February 22 - Aulos Ensemble 3:00 pm Christopher Krueger, flute Marc Schachman, oboe Linda Quan, violin Myron Lutzke, cello Arthur Haas, harpsichord April 12 - El Mundo Ensemble 3:00 pm Richard Savino, guitar (director) Nell Snaidas, soprano Adam LaMotte, violin William Skeen, violoncello Paul Shipper, percussion & guitar Special Performances

November 4 - Music by J.S.Bach 5:30 pm Hopkinson Smith, German theorbo

November 18-19 - Yale Baroque Ensemble 5:30 pm Robert Mealy, director

December 6 - Yale Baroque Ensemble 4:00 pm Sprezzatura: Virtuoso music of the Italian 17th century

This concert is being recorded and streamed live over the Internet; please turn off all cell phones and pagers.

M a rt i n B r u n s , baritone C h r i s t o p h H a mm e r , fortepiano in

L i e d e ra b e n d Robert Schumann (1810 – 1856)

Liederkreis op. 24 (Heine) 1. Morgens steh’ ich auf und frage 2. Es treibt mich hin 3. Ich wandelte unter den Bäumen 4. Lieb’ Liebchen, leg‘s Händchen aufs Herze mein 5. Schöne Wiege meiner Leiden 6. Warte, warte, wilder Schiffsmann 7. Berg’ und Burgen schau’n herunter 8. Anfangs wollt’ ich fast verzagen 9. Mit Myrthen und Rosen

Robert Schumann

Arabeske in C major op. 18

Moritz Hauptmann (1792 – 1868)

Am Flusse (Goethe) op. 22,6 An den Mond (Goethe) op. 22,5 Quel vago impallidir (Petrarca)

I n t e r va l Franz Liszt Tre Sonetti del Petrarca (1811 – 1886) Bendetto sia ‘l giorno Pace non trovo I’ vidi in terra angelici costumi Franz Lachner (1803 - 1890)

Klavierstück G major op. 109,5

Franz Schubert (1797 – 1828)

Impromptu Gb major D899,3

Muth (Geibel) uL 18 (1840) Des Müden Abendlied (Geibel) op. 101,1 Die stille Wasserrose (Geibel) op. 134,1 Nachtlied (Geibel) uL 18 (1840)

An den Mond (Hölty) Ständchen (Rellstab) Dithyrambe (Schiller) Grand piano by Ignaz Boersendorfer, Austria, ca 1830 Fortepiano by Rodney J.Regier, Freeport, Maine, 2008

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About the Performers Trained as a professional violinist, M a rt i n B r u n s studied voice with Daniel Ferro at the Juilliard School . Among other teachers were Ernst Haefliger, Arleen Auger, Phyllis Curtin and Mary Morrison in masterclasses and at festivals such as Aldeburgh, Siena, Banff and Tanglewood. After winning the New York State Metropolitan Opera Auditions and the Joy in Singing Award, he started his operatic career at the Wiesbaden Opera in leading roles like e.g. Papageno, Guglielmo, Figaro (Barbiere), Donner (Rheingold) and Silvio. Guest appearances took him also to the opera houses in Düsseldorf, Freiburg, Bern and Munich.

Known for his vast repertoire spanning from Monteverdi to the contemporary, Bruns has been a soloist with major orchestras including the Choir and Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio, the Scharoun Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic, the NDR Symphony Orchestra Hamburg, the New York Chamber Symphony and the Israel Chamber Orchestra under conductors such as Marcello Viotti, Ivor Bolton, Eric Ericson, Yoav Talmi, Heinz Holliger, Peter Ruzicka, Gerard Schwarz, Avi Ostrowsky, Oleg Caetani and Jonathan Nott. He has sung with early music ensembles such as the Ensemble of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis and the Academy for Early Music Berlin and contemporary music ensembles such as Ensemble Resonanz Hamburg and Ensemble Contrechamps Geneva. He has given premiere performances of works by composers such as Reimann, Rihm, Kim, Musto and Ali-Zadeh.

Bruns has appeared at major concert halls and festivals in, among others, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Bonn, Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Salzburg, New York, Washington DC, Seattle, San Diego and Ottawa. Frequent partners are pianists Jan Philip Schulze, Christoph Hammer, Ulrich Eisenlohr and Stephane Lemelin.

Recordings include Strasfogel’s “Dear Men and Women” for Decca, songs and chamber music by Jarnach, CDs of Schubert/Schiller and Busoni songs for Naxos. He also released a CD together with Christoph Hammer with Romantic songs of the 19th century, and Dvorak’s cycle “Cypresses”.

Bruns has taught at the University of the Arts in Zurich, the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne/Aachen, and the Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik in Berlin, where he now chairs the vocal department.

C h r i s t o p h H a mm e r , hailed as a “poet of the fortepiano” by the Italian press, studied organ at the Academy of Music and Theater in Munich, and attending courses with renowned specialists for historic keyboard instruments. In addition, he studied German Literature and Musicology at the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich and at UCLA. Since 1989, Hammer has focused on playing historical keyboard instruments, especially the fortepiano. He has an international reputation as a soloist, lieder accompanist, and chamber musician.

Hammer has performed at festivals such as Mozart-Festival Wurzburg, Festival de piano Roques d’Antheron, Festwochen fur Alte Musik Innsbruck, La folles journee Nantes, Tonhalle Zuerich, Konzerthaus Wien, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Munich State Opera Festival, Beethovenhaus Bonn and others. Hammer has played as a soloist with orchestras such as Concerto Cologne, Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra, and Prague Chamber Orchestra, among others. Hammer founded and directed the baroque orchestra Neue Hofkapelle München with whom he made a number of recordings and premier performances. He also has been active as opera conductor and worked together with modern orchestras. In addition, he was artistic director of the festival Residenzwoche Muenchen. He made more than 20 recordings of premier performances of Baroque and classic works that appeared on the ORF label.

From 2009 - 2013 Hammer was Associate Professor for harpsichord and fortepiano at the University of North Texas. Since the summer of 2013 he has been teaching at the Leopold-Mozart Center of the University of Augsburg. In addition, he has been giving masterclasses at leading institutions such as Juilliard, in Prague, Moscow, Minsk and elsewhere.

“Poet of the fortepiano.”

La Nazione, Florence.

“His tonal range on the piano, phrasing and poetic insight were of extraordinary quality.”

The Pretoria News

“His singing was ravishing and the Vienna Piano Trio accompanied most exquisitely. It turned out to be a first-rate musical treasure.”

Süddeutsche Zeitung, February 5, 2007 “Equipped with a powerful voice, Bruns succeeds in offering a masterful play with shadings and colors... It’s fantastic how he moves toward dramatic highlights...there is nothing that this voice cannot do...”

Münchner Merkur, February 3, 2007

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Liederkreis, Op. 24

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Morgens steh’ ich auf und frage: Kommt feins Liebchen heut?

Abends sink’ ich hin und klage: Aus blieb sie auch heut.

In the morning I rise and ask: Will my sweetheart come today?

In the evening I sink down and lament: She stayed away again today.

In der Nacht mit meinem Kummer lieg’ ich schlaflos, lieg’ ich wach; träumend, wie im halben Schlummer, träumend wandle ich bei Tag.

In the night with my grief I lie sleepless, I lie awake; dreaming, as if half asleep, dreaming, I wander through the day.

Es treibt mich hin, es treibt mich her!

Nach wenigen Stunden, dann soll ich sie schauen, sie selber, die schönste der schönen Jungfrauen; du armes Herz, was pochst du so schwer!

It drives me hence, It drives me hither!

After just a few hours then I shall see her, she herself, the loveliest of the lovely young women; -you poor heart, how heavily you pound!

Die Stunden sind aber ein faules Volk!

Schleppen sich behaglich träge, schleichen gähnend ihre Wege; tummle dich, du faules Volk!

But the hours are lazy folk!

They drag themselves sluggishly, creeping with yawns along their paths; Hurry up, you lazy folk!

Tobende Eile mich treibend erfaßt!

Aber wohl niemals liebten die Horen; heimlich im grausamen Bunde verschworen, spotten sie tückisch der Liebenden Hast.

A charging hurry seizes and drives me!

But the Hours have never been in love; sworn secretly to cruel conspiracy, they mock treacherously the lover’s haste.

Ich wandelte unter den Bäumen mit meinem Gram allein; da kam das alte Träumen und schlich mir ins Herz hinein.

I wandered beneath the trees, with my sorrow alone; along came that old dreaming and crept into my heart.

Wer hat euch dies Wörtlein gelehret, ihr Vöglein in luftiger Höh’?

Schweigt still! wenn mein Herz es höret, dann tut es noch einmal so weh.

Who taught you this little word, you tiny birds in the airy heights?

Be quiet! if my heart hears it, then does it yet once so hurt.

“Es kam ein Jungfräulein gegangen, die sang es immerfort, da haben wir Vöglein gefangen das hübsche, goldne Wort.”

“There came a young woman walking, who sang it constantly; that is how we tiny birds captured this pretty, golden word.”

Das sollt ihr mir nicht erzählen, Ihr Vöglein wunderschlau; ihr wollt meinem Kummer mir stehlen, ich aber niemandem trau’

You should not explain this to me now, you tiny, cunning birds; you wanted to steal my grief from me, I however trust no one.

Lieb’ Liebchen, leg’s Händchen aufs Herze mein; ach, hörst du, wie’s pochet im Kämmerlein? da hauset ein Zimmermann schlimm und arg, der zimmert mir einen Totensarg.

Dear sweetheart, lay your hand on my heart; ah, do you hear how it pounds in the little chamber? inside there lives a carpenter, evil and wicked: he is building me a coffin.

Es hämmert und klopfet bei Tag und bei Nacht; es hat mich schon längst um den Schlaf gebracht.

Ach! sputet euch, Meister Zimmermann, damit ich balde schlafen kann.

It hammers and pounds by day and by night; it has already long since deprived me of my sleep Ah, hurry yourself, Mister Carpenter, finish so that I soon can sleep.

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Schöne Wiege meiner Leiden, schönes Grabmal meiner Ruh’, schöne Stadt, wir müssen scheiden, Lebe wohl! ruf ’ ich dir zu.

Lovely cradle of my sorrows, lovely tombstone of my rest, lovely town - we must part, farewell! I call to you.

Berg’ und Burgen schaun herunter in den spiegelhellen Rhein, und mein Schiffchen segelt munter, rings umglänzt von Sonnenschein.

Mountains and castles gaze down into the mirror-bright Rhine, and my little ship sails merrily, the sunshine glistening around it.

Lebe wohl, du heil’ge Schwelle, wo da wandelt Liebchen traut; lebe wohl! du heil’ge Stelle, wo ich sie zuerst geschaut.

Farewell, you holy threshold, across which wanders my darling dear; farewell! you sacred spot where I first saw her.

Ruhig seh’ ich zu dem Spiele goldner Wellen, kraus bewegt; still erwachen die Gefühle, die ich tief im Busen hegt’.

Calmly I watch the play of golden, ruffled waves surging; silently feelings awaken in me which I deep in my bosom have buried.

Hätt’ ich dich doch nie geseh’n, schöne Herzenskönigin!

Nimmer wär’ es dann geschehen, daß ich jetzt so elend bin.

Would that I had never seen you, lovely queen of my heart!

Never would it then have happened, that I would now be so wretched.

Freundlich grüssend und verheißend lockt hinab des Stromes Pracht; doch ich kenn’ ihn, oben gleißend, birgt sein Innres Tod und Nacht.

With friendly greetings and promises, the stream’s splendor beckons; but I know it - gleaming above it conceals within itself death and night.

Nie wollt’ ich dein Herze rühren, Liebe hab’ ich nie erfleht; nur ein stilles Leben führen wollt’ ich, wo dein Odem weht.

I never wished to touch your heart, I never begged for love; all I wished was to lead a quiet life where your breath could stir me.

Oben Lust, im Busen Tücken, Strom, du bist der Liebsten Bild!

Die kann auch so freundlich nicken, lächelt auch so fromm und mild.

Above, pleasure; at heart, malice; O stream, you are the very image of my beloved!

She can nod with just as much friendliness, also smiling so innocently and gently.

Doch du drängst mich selbst von hinnen, bittre Worte spricht dein Mund; Wahnsinn wühlt in meinen Sinnen, und mein Herz ist krank und wund.

Yet you yourself pushed me away from you, with bitter words at your lips; Madness filled my senses, and my heart is sick and wounded.

Anfangs wollt’ ich fast verzagen und ich glaubt’, ich trüg’ es nie; und ich hab’ es doch getragen aber fragt mich nur nicht, wie?

At first I wanted almost to despaired, and I believed I would never be able to bear it; yet even so, I have borne it but do not ask me how.

Und die Glieder matt und träge schlepp’ ich fort am Wanderstab, bis mein müdes Haupt ich lege ferne in ein kühles Grab.

And my limbs are heavy and sluggish; I’ll drag myself forward, leaning on my staff, until I can lay my weary head far away in a cool grave.

Mit Myrten und Rosen, lieblich und hold, mit duft’gen Zypressen und Flittergold, möcht’ ich zieren dieß Buch wie ‘nen Totenschrein, Und sargen meine Lieder hinein.

With myrtle and roses, lovely and pretty, with fragrant cypresses and gold tinsel, I would decorate this book like a coffin and bury my songs inside it.

Warte, warte, wilder Schiffmann, gleich folg’ ich zum Hafen dir; von zwei Jungfraun nehm’ ich Abschied, von Europa und von ihr.

Wait, wait, wild boatman, at once I’ll follow you to the harbor; from two maidens I am taking my leave, from Europe and from her.

Blutquell, rinn’ aus meinen Augen, Blutquell, brich aus meinem Leib, daß ich mit dem heißen Blute meine Schmerzen niederschreib’

Streams of blood, run from my eyes, streams of blood, burst from my body, so that with this hot blood I can write down my agonies.

O könnt’ ich die Liebe sargen hinzu!

Auf dem Grabe der Liebe wächst Blümlein der Ruh’, da blüht es hervor, da pflückt man es ab, doch mir blüht’s nur, wenn ich selber im Grab.

Oh if only I could bury my love there as well!

On the grave of love grows the blossom of peace; there it blooms and then is plucked, yet it will bloom for me only when I am in the grave.

Ei, mein Lieb, warum just heute schaudert dich, mein Blut zu seh’n? sahst mich bleich und herzeblutend lange Jahre vor dir steh’n! Oh!

Ah, my love, why just today do you shudder to see my blood?

You’ve seen me pale, my heart bleeding, standing before you for many years! Oh!

Hier sind nun die Lieder, die einst so wild, wie ein Lavastrom, der dem Ätna entquillt, Hervorgestürtzt aus dem tiefsten Gemüt, und rings viel blitzende Funken versprüht!

Here now are the songs which, once so wild, like a stream of lava that flowed from Etna, hurled forth from the deepest feeling, and spraying bright sparks in all directions!

Kennst du noch das alte Liedchen von der Schlang’ im Paradies, die durch schlimme Apfelgabe unsern Ahn ins Elend stieß.

Do you know that old song about the serpent in Paradise who, by wickedly giving an apple, threw our ancestors into misery?

Nun liegen sie stumm und totengleich, nun starren sie kalt und nebelbleich, doch aufs neu die alte Glut sie belebt, wenn der Liebe Geist einst über sie schwebt.

Now they lie mute and death-like, now they stare coldly, pale as mist, but the old glow will revive them afresh, when the spirit of love someday floats above them.

Alles Unheil brachten Äpfel!

Eva bracht’ damit den Tod, Eris brachte Trojas Flammen, du brachst’st beides, Flamm’ und Tod.

All mischief brought on by apples!

Eve brought death through them, Eris caused the flames of Troy; and you brought both, flame and death.

Und es wird mir im Herzen viel Ahnung laut: der Liebe Geist einst über sie taut; einst kommt dies Buch in deine Hand, du süßes Lieb im fernen Land.

And in my heart the thought grows loud: the spirit of love once will over them thaw; someday this book will arrive in your hands, you, my sweet love in a distant land.

Dann löst sich des Liedes Zauberbann, die blaßen Buchstaben schaun dich an, sie schauen dir flehend ins schöne Aug’, und flüstern mit Wehmut und Liebeshauch.

Then shall the songs’ magic spell be broken, and the pale letters shall gaze at you; they’ll gaze beseechingly into your lovely eyes, and whisper with sadness and a breath of love.

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Am Flusse

Quel vago impallidir

Verfließet, vielgeliebte Lieder, Zum Meere der Vergessenheit!

Kein Knabe sing’ entzückt euch wieder, Kein Mädchen in der Blütenzeit.

Flow away, well-loved songs, To the ocean of forgetfulness!

No lad will delightedly sing you again, Nor any maiden in the time of blossoms.

Quel vago impallidir che ‘l dolce riso d’un’amorosa nebbia ricoperse, con tanta maiestade al cor s’offerse che li si fece incontr’a mezzo ‘l viso.

That wandering paleness which conceals the sweet smile in a loving mist, offered itself to my heart with such majesty that it revealed the heart in the face.

Ihr sanget nur von meiner Lieben; Nun spricht sie meiner Treue Hohn.

Ihr wart ins Wasser eingeschrieben; So fließt denn auch mit ihm davon.

You sang only of my love; Now she speaks scornfully of my faith.

You were written in water; So flow then with water away.

Conobbi allor sí come in paradiso vede l’un l’altro, in tal guisa s’aperse quel pietoso penser ch’altri non scerse: ma vidil’ io, ch’altrove non m’affiso.

Then I knew how one sees another in paradise, her compassionate thought showed in such a manner others did not know it: but I saw it, since I see nothing else.

An den mond Füllest wieder Busch und Tal Still mit Nebelglanz, Lösest endlich auch einmal Meine Seele ganz.

You fill bush and valley again quietly with a splendid mist and finally set loose entirely my soul.

Breitest über mein Gefild Lindernd deinen Blick, Wie des Freundes Auge mild Über mein Geschick.

You spread over my domain gently your gaze, as mildly as a friend’s eye over my fate.

Jeden Nachklang fühlt mein Herz Froh und trüber Zeit, Wandle zwischen Freud und Schmerz In der Einsamkeit.

Every echo my heart feels, of happy and troubled times; I wander between joy and pain in my solitude.

Fließe, fließe, lieber Fluß!

Nimmer werd ich froh; So verrauschte Scherz und Kuß, Und die Treue so.

Flow, flow on, dear river!

Never shall I be cheerful, so faded away have jokes and kisses become and faithfulness as well.

Ich besaß es doch einmal, Was so köstlich ist!

Daß man doch zu seiner Qual Nimmer es vergißt.

I possessed once something so precious, that, to my torment, it can never be forgotten now.

Rausche, Fluß, das Tal entlang, Ohne Rast und Ruh, Rausche, flüstre meinem Sang Melodien zu,

Murmur, river, beside the valley, without rest and calm; murmur on, whispering for my song your melodies,

Wenn du in der Winternacht Wütend überschwillst, Oder um die Frühlingspracht Junger Knospen quillst.

whenever you, on winter nights, ragingly flood over, or, in the splendor of spring, help swell young buds.

Selig, wer sich vor der Welt Ohne Haß verschließt, Einen Freund am Busen hält Und mit dem genießt,

Blissful is he who, away from the world, without hate locks himself, holding to his heart one friend and enjoying with him

Was, von Menschen nicht gewußt Oder nicht bedacht, Durch das Labyrinth der Brust Wandelt in der Nacht.

that which is unknown to most men or never contemplated, and which, through the labyrinth of the heart, wanders in the night.

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Ogni angelica vista, ogni atto humile Every angelic vision, every humble act che già mai in donna ov’amor fosse apparve, of every lady, in whom love had appeared fôra uno sdegno a lato a quel ch’i’ dico. would be disdained beside her I speak of.

Chinava a terra il bel guardo gentile, et tacendo dicea, come a me parve: Chi m’allontana il mio fedele amico?

She bent her beautiful gentle gaze to earth, and said in silence, as it seemed to me: ‘Who distances my faithful friend from me?’

Benedetto sia ‘l giorno Benedetto sia ‘l giorno, e ‘l mese, e l’anno, E la stagione, e ‘l tempo, e l’ora, e ‘l punto E ‘l bel paese e ‘l loco, ov’io fui giunto Da’duo begli occhi che legato m’ànno;

Blessed be the day, the month, the year, the season, the hour, the moment, the lovely scene, the spot when I was put in thrall by two lovely eyes which bind me fast.

E benedetto il primo dolce affanno Ch’i’ ebbi ad esser con Amor congiunto, E l’arco e la saette ond’ i’ fui punto, E le piaghe, ch’infino al cor mi vanno.

And blessed be the first sweet pang I suffered when love overwhelmed me, the bows and arrows which stung me, and the wounds which pierce to my heart.

Benedette le voci tante, ch’io Chiamando il nome di Laura ho sparte, E i sospiri e le lagrime e ‘l desio.

Blessed be the many voices which have echoed when I have called Laura’s name, the sighs and tears, the longing;

E benedette sian tutte le carte Ov’io fama le acquisto, e il pensier mio, Ch’è sol di lei, si ch’altra non v’ha parte.

and blessed be all those writings in which I have spread her fame, and my thoughts, which stem from her and centre on her alone.

Pace non trovo Pace non trovo, e non ho da far guerra, E temo, e spero, ed ardo, e son un ghiaccio: E volo sopra ‘l cielo, e giaccio in terra; E nulla stringo, e tutto ‘l mondo abbraccio.

I find no peace, but for war am not inclined; I fear, yet hope; I burn, yet am turned to ice; I soar in the heavens, but lie upon the ground; I hold nothing, though I embrace the whole world.

Tal m’ha in priggion, che non m’apre, né serra, Né per suo mi ritien, né scioglie il laccio, E non m’uccide Amor, e non mi sferra; Né mi vuol vivo, né mi trahe d’impaccio.

Love has me in a prison which he neither opens nor shuts ; he neither claims me for his own nor loosens my halter; he neither slays nor unshackles me; he would not have me live, yet leaves me with my torment.

Veggio senz’occhi; e non ho lingua e grido; Eyeless I gaze, and tongueless I cry out; I long to perish, yet plead for succour; E bramo di perir, e cheggio aita; I hate myself, but love another.

Ed ho in odio me stesso, ed amo altrui: Pascomi di dolor; piangendo rido; Egualmente mi spiace morte e vita.

In questo stato son, Donna, per Voi.

I feed on grief, yet weeping, laugh; death and life alike repel me; and to this state I am come, my lady, because of you.

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I’ vidi in terra angelici costumi, E celesti bellezze al mondo sole; Tal che di rimembrar mi giova, e dole: Che quant’io miro, par sogni, ombre, e fumi.

I beheld on earth angelic grace, and heavenly beauty unmatched in this world, such as to rejoice and pain my memory, which is so clouded with dreams, shadows, mists.

E vidi lagrimar que’ duo bei lumi, Ch’han fatto mille volte invidia al sole; Ed udì’ sospirando dir parole Che farian gir i monti, e stare i fiumi.

And I beheld tears spring from those two bright eyes, which many a time have put the sun to shame, and heard words unered with such sighs as to move the mountains and stay the rivers.

Amor! senno! valor, pietate, e doglia Facean piangendo un più dolce concento D’ogni altro, che nel mondo udir si soglia.

Love, wisdom, excellence, pity and grief made in that plaint a sweeter concert than any other to be heard on earth.

Ed era ‘l cielo all’armonia s’intento Che non si vedea in ramo mover foglia.

Tanta dolcezza avea pien l’aer e ‘l vento.

And heaven on that harmony was so intent that not a leaf upon the bough was seen to stir, such sweetness had filled the air and winds.

Muth O Herz, laß ab zu zagen, Und von dir wirf das Joch!

Du hast so viel getragen, Du trägst auch dieses noch.

Oh heart, let go of your doubt And throw off the joke from you!

You have carried so much, You can carry this also

Tritt auf in blanken Waffen, Mein Geist, und werde frei!

Es gilt noch mehr zu schaffen Als einen Liebesmai.

Appear with blank armor, My spirit and become free.

The goal is to achieve more Than one lovely May.

Und ob die Brust auch blutet, Nur vorwärts in die Bahn!

Du weißt, am vollsten flutet Gesang dem wunden Schwan.

And if the breast is bleeding The train is only going forward!

You know, the voice Best heals the wounded swan.

Des Müden Abendlied Verglommen ist das Abendrot, Da tönt ein fernes Klingen; Ich glaube fast, das ist der Tod, Der will in Schlaf mich singen.

O singe nur zu, Du Spielmann du!

Du sollst mir Frieden bringen.

Fast fading is the evening glow, Far distant echoes ringing; Methinks it is the voice of death, Who me to sleep is singing.

O sing thou on Good comrade thou!

To me sweet rest thou’rt bringing.

Ein weiches Bette der Rasen giebt, Es säuseln so kühl die Cypressen, Und was ich gelebt, und was ich geliebt, Ich will es alles vergessen.

Keinen Ruhm, kein Glück, Laß ich zurück, Hab’ nichts als Schmerzen besessen.

A soft cool bed the green grass gives, The cypress trees rustle and quiver, And all of life, and all of love, I shall forget forever.

No fame, no joy I leave behind From pain I now may sever.

So fahr denn wohl, du arge Welt, Mit deinen bunten Schäumen!

Was dich ergötzt, was dir gefällt, Wie gern will ich’s versäumen!

Schon wehet die Nacht Mich an so sacht; Nun laßt mich ruhn und träumen.

So fare thee well, thou sorry world, With all thy gay deceiving!

What thee may please, what thee delight, How gladly I am leaving Now beckons the night To me so mild; Now leave me to peaceful dreaming.

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Die stille Wasserrose Die stille Wasserrose Steigt aus dem blauen See, Die feuchten Blätter zittern, Der Kelch ist weiß wie Schnee.

The quiet lotus blossom sprouts from the pond so blue, its leaves all glimmer and sparkle, its bud is white as snow.

Da gießt der Mond vom Himmel All’ seinen gold’nen Schein, Gießt alle seine Strahlen In ihren Schoß hinein.

The moon pours down from heaven all of its golden shine, pours all its golden moonbeams into her blossom heart.

Im Wasser um die Blume Kreiset ein weißer Schwan Er singt so süß, so leise Und schaut die Blume an.

In water ‘round the blossom circles the whitest swan it sings so sweet, so softly and gazes on the bloom.

Er singt so süß, so leise Und will im Singen vergehn.

O Blume, weiße Blume, Kannst du das Lied verstehn?

It sings so sweet, so softly and would but perish in song.

O blossom, whitest blossom, can you conceive the song?

Nachtlied Der Mond kommt still gegangen Mit seinem goldnen Schein, Da schläft in holdem Prangen Die müde Erde ein.

The moon approaches quietly With its golden light.

The tired world then falls asleep Resplendent in beauty.

Im Traum die Wipfel weben, Die Quellen rauschen sacht; Singende Engel durchschweben Die blaue Sternennacht

In dreams the treetops weave, The springs bubble gently; Singing angels hover through The blue, starry night

Und auf den Lüften schwanken Aus manchem treuen Sinn Viel tausend Liebesgedanken Über die Schläfer hin.

And swaying upon the breezes, From many a loyal spirit Are thousands of loving thoughts, Wafting over those who sleep.

Und drunten im Tale, da funkeln Die Fenster von Liebchens Haus; Ich aber blicke im Dunkeln Still in die Welt hinaus.

And down in the valley there sparkle The windows of my beloved’s house.

But in the darkness, I gaze Quietly out at the world.

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An den Mond

Dithyrambe

Geuß, lieber Mond, geuß deine Silberflimmer Durch dieses Buchengrün, Wo Phantasien und Traumgestalten immer Vor mir vorüberfliehn!

Pour, dear moon, pour your silver glitter down through the greenery of beeches, where phantasms and dream-shapes are always floating before me!

Enthülle dich, daß ich die Stätte finde, Wo oft mein Mädchen saß, Und oft, im Wehn des Buchbaums und der Linde, Der goldnen Stadt vergaß!

Reveal yourself, that I may find the place where my darling often sat, and often forgot, in the wind of beech and linden trees, the golden city.

Enthülle dich, daß ich des Strauchs mich freue, Der Kühlung ihr gerauscht, Und einen Kranz auf jeden Anger streue, Wo sie den Bach belauscht!

Reveal yourself, that I may enjoy the bushes which swept coolness to her, and that I may lay a wreath upon that pasture where she listened to the brook.

Dann, lieber Mond, dann nimm den Schleier wieder, Und traur’ um deinen Freund, Und weine durch den Wolkenflor hernieder, Wie dein Verlaßner weint!

Then, dear moon, then take up your veil again, and mourn your friend, and weep through the clouds as one abandoned weeps!

Standchen Leise flehen meine Lieder Durch die Nacht zu dir; In den stillen Hain hernieder, Liebchen, komm zu mir!

My songs beckon softly through the night to you; below in the quiet grove, Come to me, beloved!

Flüsternd schlanke Wipfel rauschen In des Mondes Licht; Des Verräters feindlich Lauschen Fürchte, Holde, nicht.

The rustle of slender leaf tips whispers in the moonlight; Do not fear the evil spying of the betrayer, my dear.

Hörst die Nachtigallen schlagen?

Ach! sie flehen dich, Mit der Töne süßen Klagen Flehen sie für mich.

Do you hear the nightingales call?

Ah, they beckon to you, With the sweet sound of their singing they beckon to you for me.

Sie verstehn des Busens Sehnen, Kennen Liebesschmerz, Rühren mit den Silbertönen Jedes weiche Herz.

They understand the heart’s longing, know the pain of love, They calm each tender heart with their silver tones.

Laß auch dir die Brust bewegen, Liebchen, höre mich!

Bebend harr’ ich dir entgegen!

Komm, beglücke mich!

Let them also stir within your breast, beloved, hear me!

Trembling I wait for you, Come, please me!

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Nimmer, das glaubt mir, erscheinen die Götter, Nimmer allein, Kaum daß ich Bacchus, den lustigen, habe, Kommt auch schon Amor, der lächelnde Knabe, Phöbus der Herrliche findet sich ein, Sie nahen, sie kommen, die Himmlischen alle, Mit Göttern erfüllt sich die irdische Halle.

Never, believe me, do the gods appear, never alone!

Hardly do I see Bacchus the merry, when along comes Cupid as well, the smiling boy Phoebus the magnificent arrives.

They approach, they arrive, Celestial Beings all; with gods are the earthly halls filled.

Sagt, wie bewirt ich, der Erdegeborne, Himmlischen Chor?

Schenket mir euer unsterbliches Leben, Götter! Was kann euch der Sterbliche geben?

Hebet zu eurem Olymp mich empor!

Die Freude, sie wohnt nur in Jupiters Saale, O füllet mit Nektar, o reich mir die Schale!

Tell me how I, an earth-born person, might receive and feed this divine chorus?

Grant me your immortal life, Gods! What can a mortal give you?

Lift me up to your Olympus!

Joy - it dwells only in Jupiter’s hall.

Oh fill me with ambrosia - pass me the goblet!

Reich ihm die Schale! O schenke dem Dichter, Hebe, nur ein; schenke nur ein!

Netz ihm die Augen mit himmlischen Taue, Daß er den Styx, den verhaßten, nicht schaue, Einer der Unsern sich dünke zu sein.

Sie rauschet, sie perlet, die himmlische Quelle, Der Busen wird ruhig, das Auge wird helle.

Pass him the goblet! O pour for the poet, Hebe; pour for him.

Moisten his eyes with heavenly dew, so that he will not see the despised Styx, thinking himself one of us.

It roars, it sparkles - the celestial stream the breast grows calm and the eye grows bright.

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