English translations of Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte, opus 1

by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912)

1. Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 1, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Am leuchtenden [Sommermorgen]1
Geh' ich im Garten herum.
Es flüstern und sprechen die Blumen,
[Ich aber, ich wandle stumm.]2

Es flüstern und sprechen die Blumen,
Und [schaun]3 mitleidig mich an:
Sei [unserer]4 Schwester nicht böse,
Du trauriger blasser Mann.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 150.

Note for stanza 1, line 4: Heine's first version of this poem had "Ich aber wandle stumm."

1 Gaul: "Frühlingsmorgen"; further changes may exist not shown above.
2 Schumann: "Ich aber wandle stumm"
3 Franz: "schauen"
4 Franz, R. Schumann: "unsrer"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
1. On a shining summer morning
Language: English 
On a shining summer morning
I wander around my garden.
The flowers are whispering and speaking;
I, however, wander silently.

The flowers are whispering and speaking
And look at me sympathetically.
"Do not be angry with our sister,
You sad, pale man."

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Paul Hindemith, (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 between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 42

Translation © by Paul Hindemith
2. Die Mitternacht  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Die Mitternacht", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 2, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Mitternacht war [kalt]1 und stumm;
Ich irrte klagend im Wald herum.
Ich habe die Bäum aus dem Schlaf gerüttelt;
Sie haben mitleidig die Köpfe geschüttelt.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 165.

1 Gus: "so kalt"; further changes may exist not shown above.

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
2. Midnight
Language: English 
Midnight was cold and silent;
I wandered, sobbing, through the forest.
I disturbed the trees from their slumber;
They shook their heads in pity.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2022 by Michael P Rosewall, (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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Translations of title(s):
"Die Mitternacht" = "Midnight"
"Die Mitternacht war kalt" = "The Midnight Was Cold"
"Die Mitternacht war kalt: Duett" = "The Midnight Was Cold: Duet"
"Die Mitternacht war kalt und stumm" = "Midnight was cold and silent"
"Mitternacht" = "Midnight"
"Traumbild" = "Dream Image"
"Um Mitternacht" = "At Midnight"



This text was added to the website: 2022-12-22
Line count: 4
Word count: 24

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall
3. Ein Fichtenbaum steht einsam  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Ein Fichtenbaum steht einsam", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 3, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ein [Fichtenbaum]1 steht einsam
Im Norden auf kahler Höh';
Ihn schläfert; mit weißer Decke
Umhüllen ihn Eis und Schnee.

Er träumt von einer Palme,
Die fern im Morgenland,
Einsam und [schweigend]2 trauert
Auf brennender Felsenwand.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 137.

1 Biegeleben: "Tannenbaum"; further changes may exist not shown above.
2 Marx: "schweigsam"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
3. A spruce-tree stands alone
Language: English 
 A spruce-tree stands alone
 in the north, on the bare heights;
 it slumbers; in a white blanket
 it is surrounded by ice and snow.
 
 It dreams of a palm tree
 which, far-off in the land of the morning,
 grieves, alone and mute,
 on a burning, rocky wall.

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 Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


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Line count: 8
Word count: 47

Translation © by Emily Ezust
4. Hör' ich das Liedchen klingen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Hör' ich das Liedchen klingen", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 4, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Hör' ich das Liedchen klingen,
Das einst die Liebste sang,
[So will mir die Brust]1 zerspringen
[Vor]2 wildem [Schmerzendrang.]3

[Es treibt mich]4 ein dunkles Sehnen
Hinauf [zur]5 Waldeshöh',
Dort löst sich auf in Tränen
Mein übergroßes Weh'.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 145.

1 Meyerbeer: "Will mir das Herz"
2 Schumann: "Von"
3 Franz, Hinrichs: "Schmerzensdrang"
4 Meyerbeer: "Mich treibt"
5 Hinrichs: "zu der"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
4. I hear the dear song sounding
Language: English 
I hear the dear song sounding
That once my beloved sang.
And my heart wants to burst so strongly
From the savage pressure of pain.

A dark longing is driving me
Up into the heights of the woods
Where in my tears can be dissolved
My own colossal woe.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Paul Hindemith, (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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Line count: 8
Word count: 49

Translation © by Paul Hindemith
5. Schöne, helle, gold'ne Sterne  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Schöne, helle, gold'ne Sterne", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 5, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Schöne, helle, goldne Sterne,
Grüßt die Liebste in der Ferne,
Sagt, daß ich noch immer sei 
Herzekrank und bleich und treu.

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by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
5.
Language: English 
Beautiful, bright, golden star,
greet the beloved in the distance,
say that I still always am
heartsick and pale and true.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2022 by Rodrigo Ruiz, (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: 2022-06-27
Line count: 4
Word count: 21

Translation © by Rodrigo Ruiz
6. Mein Liebchen, wir saßen beisammen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Mein Liebchen, wir saßen beisammen", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 6, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Mein Liebchen, wir sassen beisammen,
Traulich im leichten Kahn.
Die Nacht war still, und wir schwammen
Auf weiter Wasserbahn.

Die Geisterinsel, die schöne,
Lag dämm'rig im Mondenglanz;
Dort klangen liebe Töne,
Dort wogte der Nebeltanz.

Dort klang es lieb und lieber,
Und wogt' es hin und her;
Wir aber schwammen vorüber,
Trostlos auf weitem Meer.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 147.


by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
6. My darling, we sat together
Language: English 
My darling, we sat together,
Comfortably in the light little boat;
The night was still, and we floated
on the broad watery road.

The ghostly island, the lovely one,
lay duskily in the moonlight;
there rang out lovely tones,
there the dancing mists waved.

The sounds there grew lovelier and lovelier,
and the dance surged back and forth;
but we floated past,
Comfortless on the wide sea.

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 Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


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This text was added to the website: 2003-10-13
Line count: 12
Word count: 67

Translation © by Emily Ezust
7. Aus meinen großen Schmerzen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Aus meinen großen Schmerzen", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 7, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Aus meinen großen Schmerzen
Mach' ich die kleinen Lieder;
Die heben ihr klingend Gefieder
Und flattern nach ihrem Herzen.

Sie fanden den Weg zur Trauten,
Doch kommen sie wieder und klagen,
Und klagen, und wollen nicht sagen,
Was sie im Herzen schauten.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 139.


by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
7. From my great sorrows
Language: English 
 From my great sorrows
 I make small songs;
 they lift their ringing feathers
 and flutter to her heart.

 They have found a way to my sweetheart,
 yet they come back and lament,
 and lament - but they will not say
 what they have seen in her heart.

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 Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 46

Translation © by Emily Ezust
8. Aus meinen Tränen sprießen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Aus meinen Tränen sprießen", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 8, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Aus meinen Tränen sprießen
Viel blühende Blumen hervor,
Und meine Seufzer werden
Ein Nachtigallenchor.

Und wenn du mich lieb hast, Kindchen,
Schenk' ich dir die Blumen all',
Und vor deinem Fenster soll klingen
Das Lied der Nachtigall.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 113.


by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
8. From my tears sprout forth
Language: English 
From my tears sprout forth
Many blooming flowers,
And my sighing become joined with
The chorus of the nightingales.

And if you love me, dear child,
I will send you so many flowers;
And before your window should sound
The song of the nightingale.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Paul Hindemith, (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 between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 44

Translation © by Paul Hindemith
9. Und wüßten's die Blumen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Und wüßten's die Blumen", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 9, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Und wüßten's die Blumen, die kleinen,
Wie tief verwundet mein Herz,
Sie würden mit mir weinen,
Zu heilen meinen Schmerz.

Und wüßten's die Nachtigallen,
Wie ich so traurig und krank,
Sie ließen fröhlich erschallen
Erquickenden Gesang.

Und wüßten sie mein Wehe,
Die [goldnen]1 Sternelein,
Sie kämen aus ihrer Höhe,
Und sprächen Trost mir ein.

[Die]2 alle können's nicht wissen,
Nur [eine]3 kennt meinen Schmerz;
[Sie]4 hat ja selbst zerrissen,
Zerrissen mir das Herz.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 128.

Note: Christian Jost's setting begins "Zerrissen mir das Herz" (the last line) and then follows the rest of the text.

1 Jost, Schumann: "goldenen"
2 André, Jost, Schumann: "Sie"
3 Hensel: "einer"
4 Hensel: "Er"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
9. And if the blooms - the small ones - knew
Language: English 
And if the blooms - the small ones - knew
How deeply wounded is my heart,
They would weep with me
To heal my pain.

And if the nightingales knew
How sad and ill I am,
They would let forth merrily
A refreshing song.

And if they knew my woe -
The little golden stars -
They would come down from their heights
And speak their consolation to me.

But all of them could not know this,
Only one knows my pain;
She herself has indeed torn,
Torn my heart in two.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Paul Hindemith, (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 between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 88

Translation © by Paul Hindemith
10. Dein Angesicht, so lieb und schön  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Dein Angesicht, so lieb und schön", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 10, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Dein Angesicht so lieb und schön,
Das hab' ich jüngst im Traum gesehn,
Es ist so mild und engelgleich,
Und doch so bleich, so [schmerzenbleich]1.

Und nur die Lippen, die sind rot;
Bald aber küßt sie bleich der Tod.
Erlöschen wird das Himmelslicht,
Das aus den frommen Augen bricht.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 114.

1 Schumann: "schmerzenreich"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
10.
Language: English 
Your face so lovable and fair:
I saw it recently in a dream.
It is so mild and angelic,
and yet so pale, so [pale with]1 pain!

And only your lips are red;
but soon Death will kiss them pale.
Out will go the heavenly light
that reflects out from your innocent eyes.

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 Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


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View original text (without footnotes)
1 Schumann: "full of"

Translations of titles
"Dein Angesicht" = "Your face"
"Dein Angesicht so lieb und schön" = "Your face so lovable and fair"
"Im Traumbild" = "In a dream image"
"Liebchens Angesicht" = "Darling's face"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 53

Translation © by Emily Ezust
11. Am Kreuzweg wird begraben  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Am Kreuzweg wird begraben", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 11, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Am Kreuzweg wird begraben
Wer selber sich brachte um;
[Dort]1 wächst eine blaue Blume,
Die [Armesünderblum']2.

Am Kreuzweg [stand]3 ich und seufzte;
Die Nacht war kalt und stumm.
Im Mondschein bewegte sich langsam
Die [Armesünderblum']2.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 166.

1 Griffes: "Da"
2 Cahn-Speyer: "Armensünderblum' "
3 White: "sass"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
11.
Language: English 
At the crossroads he was buried,
the one who took his own life.
A blue flower grows there,
the Woeful-sinner's-bloom.
 
At the crossroads I stood sighing;
the night was cold and still.
The Woeful-sinner's-bloom
slowly stirred in the moonlight.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2012 by T. P. (Peter) Perrin, (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: 2012-02-28
Line count: 8
Word count: 39

Translation © by T. P. (Peter) Perrin
12. Nacht liegt auf den fremden Wegen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Robert Hermann (1869 - 1912), "Nacht liegt auf den fremden Wegen", op. 1 (Zwölf kleine Lieder für 1 mittlere Singstimme mit Pianoforte) no. 12, published 1893 [ medium voice and piano ], Offenbach, André
Language: German (Deutsch) 
     Nacht liegt auf den fremden Wegen, –
Krankes Herz und müde Glieder; –
Ach, da fließt, wie stiller Segen,
Süßer Mond, dein Licht hernieder.

     Süßer Mond, mit deinen Strahlen
Scheuchest du das nächt’ge Grauen;
Es zerrinnen meine Qualen,
Und die Augen überthauen.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Die Heimkehr, Hamburg, Hoffmann und Campe, 1827, page 256. Modern German would change the spelling of "überthauen" to "übertauen". First included in Rheinische Flora, no. 12


by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
12. Night lies on the unfamiliar roads
Language: English 
 Night lies on the unfamiliar roads;
 a sick heart and tired limbs...
 ah, like a quiet blessing, there flows down,
 sweet moon, your light;

 Sweet moon, with your rays
 You drive away the night horror;
 Away runs my pain,
 And my eyes brim over with tears.

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 Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 46

Translation © by Emily Ezust