English translations of Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung, opus 44

by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897)

1. Minnelied
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Minnelied", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 1 (1860), published 1867 [ ssaa chorus and piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  Der Holdseligen 
    Sonder Wank
  Sing' ich fröhlichen 
    Minnesang;
  Denn die Reine, 
  Die ich meine,
Winkt mir lieblichen Habedank.
 
  Ach! bin inniglich 
    Minnewund!
  Gar zu minniglich 
    küsst ihr Mund;
  Lacht so grüsslich, 
  Lockt so küsslich,
Daß mir's bebt in des Herzens Grund!
 
  Gleich der sonnigen 
    Veilchenau'
  Glänzt der Wonnigen 
    Augen Blau;
  Frisch und ründchen 
  Blüht ihr Mündchen,
Gleich der knospenden Ros' im Thau.
 
  Ihrer Wängelein 
    Lichtes Roth
  Hat kein Engelein, 
    So mir Gott !
  Eia, säß' ich 
  Unablässig
Bei der Preißlichen bis zum Tod!

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by Johann Heinrich Voss (1751 - 1826)
1. Love song
Language: English 
To the most graceful one 
without doubt 
I sing a cheerful 
love song,
since the pure woman 
I love
waves and bids me a charming "Have thanks."

Alas, my heart is sick 
with love!
She inspires my love 
with her words of thanks!
She greets me with her smiles, 
attracts me with kisses,
so that I am thrilled with joy from the bottom of my heart.

As bright as the violets 
on a sunlit meadow
is the blue sparkling 
out of my delight's eyes.
Her little mouth 
blooms fresh and round
like an unfolding rosebud wet with dew.

Her cheeks are of 
a rosy hue
not even an angel has, 
Heaven knows!
If only I 
could keep sitting
next to the praised one until I die.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.

    Bertram Kottmann.  Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de

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Translation of title "Minnelied" = "Love song"


This text was added to the website: 2006-03-20
Line count: 28
Word count: 126

Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
2. Der Bräutigam  [sung text not yet checked]
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Der Bräutigam", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 2 (1860), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus a cappella? or with piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Von allen Bergen nieder
So fröhlich Grüßen schallt -
Das ist der Frühling wieder,
Der ruft zum grünen Wald!

Ein Liedchen ist erklungen
Herauf zum stillen Schloß -
Dein Liebster hat's gesungen
Der hebt Dich auf sein Roß.

Wir reiten so geschwinde,
Von allen Menschen weit. -
Da rauscht die Luft so linde
In Waldeseinsamkeit.

Wohin? Im Mondenschimmer
So bleich der Wald schon steht. -
Leis rauscht die Nacht - frag' nimmer,
Wo Lieb' zu Ende geht!

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by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
2. The bridegroom
Language: English 
Down from all the mountaintops
Sound such happy greetings -
It is the return of spring
That calls to the green forest! 

A little song rang out
Up to the quiet castle -
Your beloved has sung it,
And he lifts you upon his steed. 

We ride so swiftly
Far away from all the people. -
The air rustles so gently
In the solitude of the forest. 

To where?  In the moonlight
The forest is already pale. -
The night murmurs softly - do not ask
Where love goes to its end!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Kelly Dean Hansen, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2010-10-22
Line count: 16
Word count: 87

Translation © by Kelly Dean Hansen
3. Barcarole
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Barcarole", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 3 (1860), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus with optional piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
O Fischer auf den Fluten, Fidelin! 
Komm schnell zu fischen her!
Refrain:
 Und auf seinem schmucken Kahne, 
 auf dem Kahne rudert er.
 Fidelin linla.

"Was willst du, dass ich fische?" Fidelin! 
Mein Ringlein fiel ins Meer.
(Refrain)

Dir lohnt die schönste Börse, Fidelin! 
Von hundert Talern schwer.
(Refrain)

"Nicht will ich deine Börse, Fidelin! 
Von hundert Talern schwer."
(Refrain)

"Ein liebevolles Küsschen, Fidelin! 
Ein Kuss ist mein Begehr."
(Refrain)

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by Johann Heinrich Friedrich Karl Witte (1800 - 1883)
3. Barcarole
Language: English 
O fisher on the waters - Fidelin!
Come quickly here to fish! 
Refrain
 And on his tidy little boat,
 On the boat he rows.
 Fidelin linla! 

"What would you wish me to fish?" - Fidelin!
My little ring fell in the sea.
(Refrain)

You shall be rewarded with the finest purse! - Fidelin!
Filled with a hundred thalers.
(Refrain)

"I do not want your purse, Fidelin!
Filled with a hundred thalers."
(Refrain)

"A tender kiss, Fidelin!
A kiss is my desire."
(Refrain)

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Kelly Dean Hansen, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2010-10-22
Line count: 18
Word count: 87

Translation © by Kelly Dean Hansen
4. Fragen
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Fragen", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 4 (1860), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus with optional piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wozu ist mein langes Haar mir dann,
wenn ich kein Band drein flechten kann?
Wozu ist mein Füßchen mir flink und fein,
darf tanzen ich nicht mit dem Liebsten mein?
Wozu ist mir nur die weiße Hand,
darf ich nicht halten den Liebsten umspannt?
Wozu mein Aug mir so schwarz und so scharf,
wenns nicht mehr den Liebsten erspähen darf?
Wozu sind mir die Gedanken mein?
Zu denken, mein Liebster, allimmer dein!

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by Anton Alexander, Graf von Auersperg (1806 - 1876)
4. Questions
Language: English 
For what do I have such long hair
If I cannot braid a ribbon into it?
For what is my little foot so nimble and delicate
If I may not dance with my lover?
For what is my hand so white
If I may not hold my lover in an embrace?
For what is my eye so dark and keen
If it may not look at my lover?
For what are my thoughts my own
If they think, my beloved, upon thee all the time?

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Kelly Dean Hansen, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2010-10-22
Line count: 10
Word count: 85

Translation © by Kelly Dean Hansen
5. Die Müllerin
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Die Müllerin", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 5 (1859-60?), published 1867 [ ssaa chorus and piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Mühle, die dreht ihre Flügel,
 Der Sturm, der sauset darin,
Und unter der Linde am Hügel,
 Da weinet die Müllerin:

Lass sausen den Sturm und brausen,
 Ich habe gebaut auf den Wind;
Ich habe gebaut auf Schwüre --
 Da war ich ein törichtes Kind.

Noch hat mich der Wind nicht belogen,
 Der Wind, der blieb mir treu;
Und bin ich verarmt und betrogen --
 Die Schwüre, die waren nur Spreu.

Wo ist, der sie geschworen?
 Der Wind nimmt die Klagen nur auf;
Er hat sich auf's Wandern verloren --
 Es findet der Wind ihn nicht auf.

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by Adelbert von Chamisso (1781 - 1838)
5. The Mill-maid
Language: English 
The windmill turns its blades,
 The storm roars within
And under the lime tree by the hill
 There the mill-maid is crying.

Let the storm roar and bluster,
 I counted on the wind;
I counted on vows--
 In so doing I acted like a foolish child.

The wind has not yet lied to me,
 The wind remained true to me;
And yet I am impoverished and betrayed --
 The vows, they were nothing but chaff.

Where is he, who made the vows?
 The wind only gathers up laments;
He has lost himself in wanderings --
 The wind cannot find a trace of him.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2009 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2009-11-21
Line count: 16
Word count: 101

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
6. Die Nonne
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Die Nonne", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 6 (1859-60?), published 1867, Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Im stillen Klostergarten 
Eine bleiche Jungfrau ging;
Der Mond beschien sie trübe,
An ihrer Wimper hing 
Die Träne zarter Liebe.

"O wohl mir, daß gestorben 
Der treue Buhle mein!
Ich darf ihn wieder lieben:
Er wird ein Engel sein, 
Und Engel darf ich lieben."

Sie trat mit zagem Schritte 
Wohl zum Marienbild;
Es stand im lichten Scheine,
Es sah so muttermild
Herunter auf die Reine.

Sie sank zu seinen Füßen, 
Sah auf mit Himmelsruh',
Bis ihre Augenlider
Im Tode fielen zu:
Ihr Schleier wallte nieder.

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Confirmed with: Uhlands Werke, Erster Teil, Gedichte, herausgegeben von Adalbert Silbermann, Berlin, Leipzig, Wien, Stuttgart: Deutsches Verlagshaus Bong & Co., [no year], pages 111-112.

Note: in stanza 4, line 3, word 3, Hinrichs has the typo "Augenlieder" in the score.

by Johann Ludwig Uhland (1787 - 1862)
6. The nun
Language: English 
In the silent convent garden, a pale maiden wandered.
The moon shone somberly upon her.
Upon her eyelash hung
The tear of a tender love.
 
"O how happy I am that my true love is dead!
I may love him again:
For he shall be an angel,
And I may love angels." 

She walked with timid steps to the image of the virgin Mary.
It stood in the bright light,
And looked down so motherly and gently
Upon the pure one. 

She sank down to her feet and looked up in heavenly peace,
Until her eyelids
Fell shut in death.
Her veil floated downward.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Kelly Dean Hansen, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2010-10-22
Line count: 16
Word count: 104

Translation © by Kelly Dean Hansen
7. Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen I
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen I", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 7 (1859-60?), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus a cappella or with piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nun stehn die Rosen in Blüte, 
Da wirft die Lieb' ein Netzlein aus. 
Du schwanker, loser Falter, 
Du hilfst dir nimmer heraus!

Und wenn ich wäre gefangen 
In dieser jungen Rosenzeit, 
Und wär's die Haft der Liebe, 
Ich müßte vergehen vor Leid.

Ich mag nicht sehnen und sorgen; 
Durch blühende Wälder schweift mein Lauf. 
Die luft'gen Lieder fliegen 
Bis in die Wipfel hinauf.

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by Paul Heyse (1830 - 1914)
7. Now the roses are blooming
Language: English 
Now the roses are blooming,
love throws its nets,
you tumbling, fickle butterfly
you will never get free again.

And if I were caught
in this time of young roses,
and if it were the captivity of love,
I would fade away in misery.

I don't want to look ahead or have a care;
through blooming woods do I course,
gay songs fly
up to the treetops.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2004 by Linda Godry, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Note: this is a translation of Schumann's version.


This text was added to the website: 2004-07-28
Line count: 12
Word count: 67

Translation © by Linda Godry
8. Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen II
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen II", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 8 (1859-60?), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus with optional piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Berge sind spitz
Und die Berge sind kalt,
Mein Schatz steigt zu Berge
Und ich in den Wald.

Da tröpfelt das Laub
Von Regen und Thau,
Ob die Augen da tröpfeln,
Wer sieht es genau?

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by Paul Heyse (1830 - 1914)
8. The mountain peaks are high
Language: English 
The mountain peaks are high
And the mountains are cold.
My sweetheart climbs the mountains
And I go into the woods. 

The leaves are dripping
With rain and dew.
If my eyes are also dripping,
Who can see it clearly?

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Kelly Dean Hansen, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2010-10-22
Line count: 8
Word count: 40

Translation © by Kelly Dean Hansen
9. Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen III  [sung text not yet checked]
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen III", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 9 (1859-60?), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus with optional piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Am Wildbach die Weiden, 
Die schwanken Tag und Nacht. 
Die Liebe von uns beiden
Hat Gott so fest gemacht. 

Am Wildbach die Weiden, 
Die haben nicht Wort und Ton. 
Wenn sich die Augen besprechen, 
So wissen die Herzen davon.

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by Paul Heyse (1830 - 1914)
9. The willows on the Wildbach
Language: English 
The willows on the Wildbach
Sway constantly both night and day.
The love between us two
Was made just as firm by God. 

The willows on the Wildbach
Do not have words or sounds.
When our eyes speak to each other,
Our hearts will also know of it.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Kelly Dean Hansen, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2010-10-22
Line count: 8
Word count: 48

Translation © by Kelly Dean Hansen
10. Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen IV
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen IV", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 10 (1859-60?), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus with optional piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Und gehest du über den Kirchhof,
Da find'st du ein frisches Grab;
Da senkten sie mit Thränen
Ein schönes Herz hinab.

Und fragst du, woran's gestorben?
Kein Grabstein Antwort giebt;
Doch leise flüstern die Winde,
Es hatte zu heiß geliebt.

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by Paul Heyse (1830 - 1914)
10. If you go across the churchyard
Language: English 
If you go across the churchyard,
You will find a freshly dug grave;
They laid there, with tears,
A lovely heart down to rest. 

And if you ask what caused its death,
No gravestone will give an answer;
But the winds will whisper softly
That it loved too ardently.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Kelly Dean Hansen, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2010-10-22
Line count: 8
Word count: 49

Translation © by Kelly Dean Hansen
11. Die Braut  [sung text not yet checked]
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Die Braut", alternate title: "Von der Insel Rügen", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 11 (1859-60?), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus with optional piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Eine blaue Schurze
hast du mir gegeben,
Mutter, schad' ums Färben,
Mutter, schad' ums Weben!
Morgen in der Frühe
wird sie bleich erscheinen,
will zu Nacht so lange
Tränen auf sie weinen.

Und wenn meine Tränen
es nicht schaffen können,
wie sie immer strömen,
wie sie immer brennen,
wird mein Liebster kommen
und mir Wasser bringen,
wird sich Meereswasser
aus den Locken ringen.

Denn er liegt da unten
in des Meeres Grunde,
und wenn ihm die Wogen
rauschen diese Kunde,
dass ich hier soll freien
und ihm treulos werden,
aus der Tiefe steigt er
auf zur bösen Erden.

In die Kirche soll ich --
nun, ich will ja kommen,
will mich fromm gesellen
zu den andern Frommen.
Lasst mich am Altare
still vorüberziehen;
denn dort ist mein Plätzchen,
wo die Witwen knien.

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Confirmed with Wilhelm Müller, Gedichte, Berlin, Behr, 1906, pages 279 - 280.


by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
11. The bride
Language: English 
A blue apron
You gave me,
Mother, it's a pity about the dyeing [of it],
Mother, it's a pity about the weaving [of it].
Early tomorrow morning
It will seem pale,
Because so long all night
I shall shed tears upon it.

And if my tears
Cannot manage [to bleach] it,
No matter how they may stream,
No matter how they may burn,
My beloved shall come
And bring me water,
He shall wring sea-water
From his curls.

For he lies down there
At the bottom of the sea,
And when the waves
Murmur this news to him,
That I am to marry here
And become untrue to him,
From the depths he shall rise
Up to this evil earth.

To the church I am to go?
Well, I am willing to come,
I shall piously join
The other pious people.
Let me pass quietly
Before the altar;
For there is my place,
Where the widows kneel.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2008 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2008-06-18
Line count: 32
Word count: 157

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
12. Märznacht  [sung text not yet checked]
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Märznacht", op. 44 (Zwölf Lieder und Romanzen für Frauenchor a capella oder mit willk. Pianofortebegleitung) no. 12 (1859-60?), published 1867 [ SSAA chorus and piano ], Leipzig, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Horch! wie brauset der Sturm 
  und der schwellende Strom in der Nacht hin!
Schaurig süßes Gefühl! 
  lieblicher Frühling, du nahst!

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by Johann Ludwig Uhland (1787 - 1862)
12.
Language: English 
Hark! How the storm 
  and the swelling stream rage into the night!
Awful and sweet feeling!
  Dear, lovely spring, you are approaching!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2010 by Kelly Dean Hansen, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translation of title "Märznacht" = "March night"


This text was added to the website: 2010-10-22
Line count: 4
Word count: 22

Translation © by Kelly Dean Hansen