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Twelve Songs
Translations © by Emily Ezust
Song Cycle by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856)
View original-language texts alone: Zwölf Gedichte von Justinus Kerner
Wenn durch Berg und Tale draußen Regen schauert, Stürme brausen, Schild und Fenster hell erklirren, Und in Nacht die Wandrer irren, Ruht es sich so süß hier innen, Aufgelöst in sel'ges Minnen; All der goldne Himmelsschimmer Flieht herein ins stille Zimmer: Reiches Leben, hab Erbarmen! Halt mich fest in linden Armen! Lenzesblumen aufwärts dringen, Wölklein ziehn und Vöglein singen. Ende nie, du Sturmnacht, wilde! Klirrt, ihr Fenster, schwankt, ihr Schilde, Bäumt euch, Wälder, braus, o Welle, Mich umfängt des Himmels Helle!
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Lust der Sturmnacht"
See other settings of this text.
When, outside, over mountain and valley rain pours and storms rage, name-plate and window rattle clearly, and in the night the traveller goes astray, it is so sweet to rest here inside, surrendering to blissful love; all of Heaven's golden glow flees to this quiet room: Rich life, have mercy! Hold me fast in your gentle arms! Spring flowers thrust upward, clouds float by and birds sing. Never end, you stormy, wild night! Rattle, you window; shake, you name-plate; Rear up, forests; roar, o wave: Heaven's brightness holds me fast!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Lust der Sturmnacht"
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 90
Zu Augsburg steht ein hohes Haus, Nah bei dem alten Dom, Da tritt am hellen Morgen aus Ein Mägdelein gar fromm; Gesang erschallt, Zum Dome wallt Die liebe Gestalt. Dort vor Marias heilig' Bild Sie betend niederkniet, Der Himmel hat ihr Herz erfüllt, Und alle Weltlust flieht: "O Jungfrau rein! Laß mich allein Dein eigen sein!" Alsbald der Glocke dumpfer Klang Die Betenden erweckt, Das Mägdlein wallt die Hall' entlang, Es weiß nicht, was es trägt; Am Haupte ganz Von Himmelsglanz Einen Lilienkranz. Mit Staunen schauen all' die Leut' Dies Kränzlein licht im Haar, Das Mägdlein aber wallt nicht weit, Tritt vor den Hochaltar: "Zur Nonne weiht Mich arme Maid! Stirb, Lieb' und Freud'!" Gott, gib, daß dieses Mägd'lein Ihr Kränzlein friedlich trag'Mägd'lein, Es ist die Herzallerliebste mein, Bleibt's bis zum jüngsten Tag. Sie weiß es nicht, Mein Herz zerbricht, Stirb, Lieb' und Licht!
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Stirb, Lieb' und Freud'!", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
See other settings of this text.
In Augsburg stands a lofty house, near the old cathedral. Out into the bright morning steps a pious maiden; a hymn rings out and to the cathedral the dear figure goes. There in front of Mary's sacred image she kneels down to pray: Heaven has filled her heart and all earthly joy flees: "O Virgin pure! Let me be yours alone!" When the muffled toll of the bells awakens the worshippers, the maiden walks along the halls: she does not know what she is wearing; upon her head bright with Heaven's gleam, there is a wreath of lilies. With astonishment gaze all the people at this little wreath, bright in her hair, but the maiden does not go far; She steps in front of the high altar: "Dedicate me as a nun, me, your poor maid! Die, love and joy!" God, grant that this maiden may wear her wreathe in peace; she is my heart's true love, and she will remain so until Judgment Day. She does not know it, and my heart is breaking; Die, love and light!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Stirb, Lieb' und Freud'!", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 35
Word count: 179
Wohlauf! noch getrunken den funkelnden Wein! Ade nun, ihr Lieben! geschieden muß sein. Ade nun, ihr Berge, du väterlich' Haus! Es treibt in die Ferne mich mächtig hinaus. Die Sonne, sie bleibet am Himmel nicht stehn, Es treibt sie, durch Länder und Meere zu gehn. Die Woge nicht haftet am einsamen Strand, Die Stürme, sie brausen mit Macht durch das Land. Mit eilenden Wolken der Vogel dort zieht Und singt in der Ferne ein heimatlich' Lied, So treibt es den Burschen durch Wälder und Feld, Zu gleichen der Mutter, der wandernden Welt. Da grüßen ihn Vögel bekannt überm Meer, Sie flogen von Fluren der Heimat hierher; Da duften die Blumen vertraulich um ihn, Sie trieben vom Lande die Lüfte dahin. Die Vögel, die kennen sein väterlich' Haus, Die Blumen, die pflanzt' er der Liebe zum Strauß, Und Liebe, die folgt ihm, sie geht ihm zur Hand: So wird ihm zur Heimat das ferneste Land.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Wanderlied"
See other settings of this text.
Come! one more drink of sparkling wine! Adieu now, you loved ones! we must part. Adieu now, you mountains and you, my parental home! I've got a powerful desire to go out into the world. The sun, it does not linger in the sky; it is driven to go across land and sea. The wave does not cling to one shore; storms rage with power across the country. With hastening clouds, the bird there flies, and sings in distant lands its native song. So is a young man driven to go through woods and fields, to match his mother, the wandering world. Birds greet him familiarly over the sea; they have flown here from the fields of his homeland; the scent of flowers is familiar to him: they have been driven here from his homeland by the winds. The birds who know his parental home; the flowers that he grew for bouquets for his love; and Love, who follows him: they are all close by, so he is always at home in the most distant land.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Wanderlied"
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 176
Du junges Grün, du frisches Gras! Wie manches Herz durch dich genas, Das von des Winters Schnee erkrankt, O wie mein Herz nach dir verlangt! Schon wächst du aus der Erde Nacht, Wie dir mein Aug' entgegen lacht! Hier in des Waldes stillem Grund Drück' ich dich, Grün, an Herz und Mund. Wie treibt's mich von den Menschen fort! Mein Leid, das hebt kein Menschenwort, Nur junges Grün ans Herz gelegt, Macht, daß mein Herze stiller schlägt.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Frühlingskur", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
See other settings of this text.
You young green, you fresh grass! How many hearts have recovered through you after falling ill from winter's snow? O how my heart longs for you! Already you are growing from earth's night; how my eye laughs to gaze toward you! Here in the forest's mute grounds I press you to me, you green, to my heart and my lips. How driven I am to leave humanity! My sorrow can be lifted by no human word; only young grass lying upon my heart will make my heart beat more calmly.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Frühlingskur", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
Translated titles:"Frühlingskur" = "Spring cure"
"Erstes Grün" = "First green"
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 90
Wär' ich nie aus euch gegangen, Wälder, hehr und wunderbar! Hieltet liebend mich umfangen Doch so lange, lange Jahr'. Wo in euren Dämmerungen Vogelsang und Silberquell, Ist auch manches Lied entsprungen Meinem Busen, frisch und hell. Euer Wogen, euer Hallen, Euer Säuseln nimmer müd', Eure Melodien alle Weckten in der Brust das Lied. Hier in diesen weiten Triften Ist mir alles öd' und stumm, Und ich schau' in blauen Lüften Mich nach Wolkenbildern um. Wenn ihr's in den Busen zwinget, Regt sich selten nur das Lied; Wie der Vogel halb nur singet, Den von Baum und Blatt man schied.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Sehnsucht nach der Waldgegend"
See other settings of this text.
Would that I had never left you, woodlands, lofty and wondrous! You held me lovingly in your embrace for many a long, long year. Where, in your twilit spots, there was birdsong and silver streams, there also sprang up many songs from my bosom, fresh and bright. Your surging, your echoes, your never-tiring whispering, your melodies all awoke song in my breast. Here in these wide meadows everything is desolate and mute to me, and I gaze up into the blue sky, looking for shapes in the clouds. While you compelled song from my breast, it seldom stirs now, just as the bird sings only a half song when parted from tree and leaf.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Sehnsucht nach der Waldgegend"
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 114
Du herrlich Glas, nun stehst du leer, Glas, das er oft mit Lust gehoben; Die Spinne hat rings um dich her Indes den düstren Flor gewoben. Jetzt sollst du mir gefüllet sein Mondhell mit Gold der deutschen Reben! In deiner Tiefe heil'gen Schein Schau' ich hinab mit frommem Beben. Was ich erschau' in deinem Grund Ist nicht Gewöhnlichen zu nennen. Doch wird mir klar zu dieser Stund', Wie nichts den Freund vom Freund kann trennen. Auf diesen Glauben, Glas so hold! Trink' ich dich aus mit hohem Mute. Klar spiegelt sich der Sterne Gold, Pokal, in deinem teuren Blute! Still geht der Mond das Tal entlang, Ernst tönt die mitternächt'ge Stunde. Leer steht das Glas! Der heil'ge Klang Tönt nach in dem kristallnen Grunde.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "An das Trinkglas eines verstorbenen Freundes", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
Note: [sic] on the titleYou splendid glass, that stands now empty - glass that he often raised with joy - the spider has around you now woven a somber crape. Now you shall be filled for me, moonbright, with the gold of German vines! In the sacred shine of your depths I shall gaze with devout trembling. What I see in your depths cannot be described to ordinary people. Yet it becomes clear to me in this moment how nothing can divide friend from friend. To this belief, lovely glass, I drain you with good cheer. Clearly mirrored is the gold of stars, o goblet, in your precious blood! Silently the moon moves beside the vale, Seriously tolls the midnight hour. Empty stands the glass! The sacred tones resound in its crystal chamber.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "An das Trinkglas eines verstorbenen Freundes", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 127
Wohlauf und frisch gewandert ins unbekannte Land! Zerrissen, ach zerrissen, ist manches teure Band. Ihr heimatlichen Kreuze, wo ich oft betend lag, Ihr Bäume, ach, ihr Hügel, oh blickt mir segnend nach. Noch schläft die weite Erde, kein Vogel weckt den Hain, Doch bin ich nicht verlassen, doch bin ich nicht allein, Denn, ach, auf meinem Herzen trag' ich ihr teures Band, Ich fühl's, und Erd und Himmel sind innig mir verwandt.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Wanderung"
See other settings of this text.
Come and briskly tramp to the unknown land! Severed, alas! severed is many a true pledge. You, my native shrines, where I often lay in prayer, You trees, ah, you hills - oh look at me and bless me! The wide world is still sleeping: not even a bird is awake in the grove, but I am not forsaken - but I am not alone, for, ah! upon my heart I wear her true pledge. I feel it, and in my mind Earth and Heaven are my close kin.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Wanderung"
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 87
Könnt' ich dich in Liedern preisen,
Säng' ich dir das längste Lied.
Ja, ich würd' in allen Weisen
Dich zu singen nimmer müd'!
Doch was immer mich betrübte,
Ist, daß ich nur immer stumm
Tragen kann dich, Herzgeliebte,
In des Busens Heiligtum.
...
Dieser Schmerz hat mich bezwungen,
Daß ich sang dies kleine Lied,
Doch von bitterm Leid durchdrungen,
Daß noch keins auf dich geriet.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Stille Liebe", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
See other settings of this text.
If I could praise you in song,
I would sing you the longest song.
Yes, I would in every way
never tire of singing to you!
But what has always troubled me
is that always, only silently,
may I carry you, my heart's beloved,
in my heart's sanctuary.
[ ... ]
This agony has compelled me
to sing this little song,
but I am pierced by bitter sorrow
that you haven't heard even one note.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Stille Liebe", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 97
Wärst du nicht, heil'ger Abendschein! Wärst du nicht, sternerhellte Nacht! Du Blütenschmuck! du üpp'ger Hain! Und du, Gebirg' voll ernster Pracht! Du, Vogelsang aus Himmeln hoch! Du, Lied aus voller Menschenbrust! Wärst du nicht – ach! was füllte noch In arger Zeit ein Herz mit Lust? --
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Frage", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
See other settings of this text.
Confirmed with: Kerners Werke, Zweiter Teil, Gedichte, ed. Raimund Pissin, Berlin, Leipzig, Wien, Stuttgart: Deutsches Verlagshaus Bong & Co., 1914, page 171
If you did not exist, holy evening glow! If you did not exist, starlit night! You jewel-like blossoms! You lush grove! And you, mountains, full of solemn splendour! You birdsong high in the heavens! You song from a full human breast! If you did not exist, alas! what would then fill my heart with pleasure in bad times?
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Frage", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 58
Du bist vom Schlaf erstanden Und wandelst durch die Au. Da liegt ob allen Landen Der Himmel wunderblau. So lang du ohne Sorgen Geschlummert schmerzenlos, Der Himmel bis zum Morgen Viel Tränen niedergoß. In stillen Nächten weinet Oft mancher aus dem Schmerz, Und morgens dann ihr meinet, Stets fröhlich sei sein Herz.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Stille Tränen"
See other settings of this text.
You have risen from sleep and are wandering through the meadow. There lies over all the land Heaven's wondrous blue. As long as, free from cares, you've been slumbering without pain, Heaven has, up until the morning, shed many tears. In silent nights, many weep from pain, and in the morning you assume their hearts are always light.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Stille Tränen"
Go to the general single-text view
Translations of titles"Du bist vom Schlaf erstanden" = "You have risen from sleep"
"Stille Thränen" = "Silent tears"
"Stille Träne" = "Silent tear"
"Stille Tränen" = "Silent tears"
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 58
Daß du so krank geworden,
Wer hat es denn gemacht? --
Kein kühler Hauch aus Norden
Und keine Sternennacht.
Kein Schatten unter Bäumen,
Nicht Glut des Sonnenstrahls,
Kein Schlummern und kein Träumen
Im Blütenbett des Tals.
...
Daß ich trag' Todeswunden,
Das ist der Menschen Tun;
Natur ließ mich gesunden,
Sie lassen mich nicht ruhn.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Wer machte dich so krank?", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
See other settings of this text.
Confirmed with: Kerners Werke, Zweiter Teil, Gedichte, ed. Raimund Pissin, Berlin, Leipzig, Wien, Stuttgart: Deutsches Verlagshaus Bong & Co., 1914, page 52
That you are so ill -
who has then caused this?
No cool breath from the North,
and no starry night.
No shadow under the trees,
no heat from sunbeams,
no slumber and no dream
in the blossom bed of the valley.
[ ... ]
That I bear fatal wounds,
this is the deed of men:
Nature would let me be well,
but they do not let me rest.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Wer machte dich so krank?", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 13
Word count: 66
Hörst du den Vogel singen? Siehst du den Blütenbaum? Herz! kann dich das nicht bringen Aus deinem bangen Traum? Was hör' ich? alte Laute Wehmüt'ger Jünglingsbrust Der Zeit, als ich vertraute Der Welt und ihrer Lust. Die Tage sind vergangen, Mich heilt kein Kraut der Flur; Und aus dem Traum, dem bangen, Weckt mich ein Engel nur.
Text Authorship:
- by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Alte Laute", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
Confirmed with: Kerners Werke, Zweiter Teil, Gedichte, ed. Raimund Pissin, Berlin, Leipzig, Wien, Stuttgart: Deutsches Verlagshaus Bong & Co., 1914, page 69
Do you hear the bird singing? Do you see the blossoming tree? Heart! can this not rouse you from your fearful dream? What do I hear? Old sounds of a mourning, youthful breast, from that time when I trusted the world and its joys. Those days are gone. I will be healed by no meadow herb; And from this dream, this fearful nightmare, only an angel will awaken me.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 - 1862), "Alte Laute", appears in Gedichte, in Die lyrischen Gedichte
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 69