Zehn Gedichte von Hermann Hesse

Bläue über dir und Sonnenglut,
Unter dir die ewig stille Flut,
Auf dem schlanken, leichtbewegten Kiel
Trägst du Saitenklang und Liebesspiel.

Schwarz und ernst sind deine leichten Wände.
Süß, solang das frohe Heute loht,
Süß und seltsam ist der Traum vom Tod,
Von der Jugend und der Liebe Ende.

Meine jungen Jahre gleiten
Unbekannten Zielen zu
Durch beglänzte schöne Weiten,
Schlanke Gondel, rasch und leicht wie du.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Gondel", written 1907, appears in Unterwegs, first published 1911

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

CAT Catalan (Català) (Salvador Pila) , "Góndola", copyright © 2025, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , copyright © 2017, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
FRE French (Français) (Pierre Mathé) , "Gondole", copyright © 2013, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada and the U.S., but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 10 Die Gedichte, bearbeitet von Peter Huber, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2002, page 130.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Soll ich sagen, was ich träume
An beglänzten, sonnenstillen
Hügeln Haine dunkler Bäume,
Gelbe Felsen, weiße Villen.

Eine Stadt im Tal gelegen,
Eine Stadt mit marmorweißen
Kirchen leuchtet mir entgegen,
Und sie ist Florenz geheißen.

Und in einem alten Garten,
Eingehegt von schmalen Gassen,
Muß das Glück noch auf mich warten,
Das ich dort zurückgelassen.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Im Norden", written 1901, appears in Neue deutsche Lyriker III , in Süden, first published 1919

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

CAT Catalan (Català) (Salvador Pila) , copyright © 2024, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , "In the north", copyright © 2014, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
FRE French (Français) (Pierre Mathé) , copyright © 2017, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada and the U.S., but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Researcher for this page: Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Nun der Tag mich müd gemacht,
Soll mein sehnliches Verlangen
Freundlich die gestirnte Nacht
Wie ein müdes Kind empfangen. 

Hände, laßt von allem Tun,
Stirn vergiß du alles Denken,
Alle meine Sinne nun
Wollen sich in Schlummer senken. 

Und die Seele unbewacht
Will in freien Flügen schweben,
Um im Zauberkreis der Nacht
Tief und tausendfach zu leben.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Beim Schlafengehen", written 1911, first published 1911?

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

CAT Catalan (Català) (Salvador Pila) , "A l'anar a dormir", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
DUT Dutch (Nederlands) (Geart van der Meer) , "Bij 't slapengaan", copyright © 2013, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
DUT Dutch (Nederlands) [singable] (Lau Kanen) , "Bij het slapen gaan", copyright © 2013, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
ENG English (Emily Ezust) , "While going to sleep", copyright ©
ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , copyright © 2017, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
FRE French (Français) (Pierre Mathé) , "En allant dormir", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
FRI Frisian [singable] (Geart van der Meer) , "Slieperstiid", copyright © 2013, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
ITA Italian (Italiano) (Francesco Campanella) , "Addormentandosi", copyright © 2006, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
NOR Norwegian (Bokmål) (Marianne Beate Kielland) , "Ved sovetid", copyright © 2011, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
SAN Sanskrit (संस्कृतम्) (Holger Christian Teipel-Jahr) , "प्रस्वापे", copyright © 2021, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
SPA Spanish (Español) (Abel Alamillo Fernández) , "Al irse a dormir", copyright © 2005, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada and the U.S., but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Research team for this page: John Versmoren , Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Abendwindes Lallen
Klagt erstickt im Laub,
Schwere Tropfen fallen
Einzeln in den Staub.

Aus den mürben Mauern
Moos und Farne quellen,
Alte Leute kauern
Schweigend auf den Schwellen.

Krumme Hände lasten
Still auf steifen Knien,
Geben sich dem Rasten
Und Verwelken hin.

Überm Friedhof flügeln
Krähen schwer und groß.
Auf den flachen Hügeln
Wuchert Farn und Moos.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Müder Abend", written 1960

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

CAT Catalan (Català) (Salvador Pila) , copyright © 2023, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , copyright © 2017, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Ein Wändeviereck, blaß, vergilbt und alt,
Ehmals von Pordenones Hand bemalt. 

Die Bilder fraß die Zeit. Du siehest nur 
Mit schwachem Umriss hier und dort die Spur

Verwaschener Fresken noch: ein Arm, ein Fuß --
Vergangener Schönheit geisterhafter Gruß. 

Ein Kind mit Augen auf, die lustig lachen 
Und den Beschauer seltsam traurig machen.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Der Kreuzgang von Santo Stefano", written 1901

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

CAT Catalan (Català) (Salvador Pila) , copyright © 2024, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , copyright © 2017, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
FRE French (Français) (Pierre Mathé) , copyright © 2017, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada and the U.S., but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Research team for this page: John Versmoren , Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Ist auch alles Trug und Wahn
Und die Wahrheit stehts unnennbar,
Dennoch blickt der Berg mich an
Zackig und genau erkennbar.

Hirsch und Rabe, rote Rose,
Meeresblau und bunte Welt:
Sammle dich - und sie zerfällt
Ins Gestalt- und Namenlose.

Sammle dich und kehre ein,
Lerne schauen, lerne lesen!
Sammle dich - und Welt wird Schein.
Sammle dich - und Schein wird Wesen.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), no title, written 1961, appears in Junger Novize im Zen-Kloster, no. 2

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

CAT Catalan (Català) (Salvador Pila) , "Encara que tot sigui engany i il·lusió", copyright © 2025, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , "Though everything be deception and delusion", copyright © 2018, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Durch des Lebens Wüste irr ich glühend
Und erstöhne unter meiner Last,
Aber irgendwo, vergessen fast,
Weiß ich schattige Gärten kühl und blühend.

Aber irgendwo in Traumesferne
Weiß ich warten eine Ruhestatt,
Wo die Seele wieder Heimat hat,
Weiß ich Schlummer warten, Nacht und Sterne.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Irgendwo", written 1925

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

CAT Catalan (Català) (Salvador Pila) , "En algun lloc", copyright © 2025, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , "Anywhere", copyright © 2018, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 10 Die Gedichte, bearbeitet von Peter Huber, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2002, page 287.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Wind im Gesträuch und Vogelpfiff
Und hoch im höchsten süßen Blau
Ein stilles, stolzes Wolkenschiff . . . 

Ich träume von einer blonden Frau,
Ich träume von meiner Jugendzeit,
Der hohe Himmel blau und weit
Ist meiner Sehnsucht Wiege,
Darin ich stillgesinnt
Und selig warm
Mit leisem Summen liege
So wie in seiner Mutter Arm
Ein Kind.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Frühlingstag", written 1912

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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada and the U.S., but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Researcher for this page: Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Blätter wehen vom Baume,
Lieder vom Lebenstraume
Wehen spielend dahin;
Vieles ist untergegangen,
Seit wir zuerst sie sangen,
Zärtliche Melodien.

Sterblich sind auch die Lieder,
Keines tönt ewig wieder,
Alle verweht der Wind:
Blumen und Schmetterlinge,
Die unvergänglicher Dinge
Flüchtiges Gleichnis sind.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), no title, written 1934, appears in Widmungsverse zu einem Gedichtbuch, no. 3

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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Wieder seh ich Schleier sinken,
Und Vertrautestes wird fremd,
Neue Sternenräume winken,
Seele schreitet traumgehemmt.

Abermals in neuen Kreisen
Ordnet sich um mich die Welt,
Und ich seh mich eiteln Weisen,
Als ein Kind hineingestellt.

Doch aus früheren Geburten
Zuckt entfernte Ahnung her:
Sterne sanken, Sterne wurden,
Und der Raum war niemals leer.

Seele beugt sich und erhebt sich,
Atmet in Unendlichkeit,
Aus zerrißenen Fäden webt sich
Neu und schöner Gottes Kleid.

Text Authorship:

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Neues Erleben", written 1914

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.

Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 10 Die Gedichte, bearbeitet von Peter Huber, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2002, page 231.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Sharon Krebs [Guest Editor]

Song Cycle by Franz Krause (b. 1889)

1. Gondel
(Sung text)

2. Im Norden
(Sung text)

3. Beim Schlafengehen
(Sung text)

4. Müder Abend
(Sung text)

5. Der Kreuzgang von Santo Stefano
(Sung text)

6. Ist auch alles Trug und Wahn
(Sung text)

7. Irgendwo
(Sung text)

8. Frühlingstag
(Sung text)

9. Widmungsvers
(Sung text)

10. Neues Erleben
(Sung text)

Zehn Gedichte von Hermann Hesse

Song Cycle by Franz Krause (b. 1889)

1. Gondel (Sung text)

2. Im Norden (Sung text)

3. Beim Schlafengehen (Sung text)

4. Müder Abend (Sung text)

5. Der Kreuzgang von Santo Stefano (Sung text)

6. Ist auch alles Trug und Wahn (Sung text)

7. Irgendwo (Sung text)

8. Frühlingstag (Sung text)

9. Widmungsvers (Sung text)

10. Neues Erleben (Sung text)

1. Gondel
(Sung text)

2. Im Norden
(Sung text)

3. Beim Schlafengehen
(Sung text)

4. Müder Abend
(Sung text)

5. Der Kreuzgang von Santo Stefano
(Sung text)

6. Ist auch alles Trug und Wahn
(Sung text)

7. Irgendwo
(Sung text)

8. Frühlingstag
(Sung text)

9. Widmungsvers
(Sung text)

10. Neues Erleben
(Sung text)