English translations of Zwölf Gesänge für Altstimme mit Pianoforte, opus 129
by Ferdinand von Hiller (1811 - 1885)
Ich denke dein, wenn mir der Sonne Schimmer Vom Meere strahlt; Ich denke dein, wenn sich des Mondes Flimmer In Quellen mahlt. Ich sehe dich, wenn auf dem fernen Wege Der Staub sich hebt; In tiefer Nacht, wenn auf dem schmalen Stege Der Wandrer bebt. Ich höre dich, wenn dort mit dumpfem Rauschen Die Welle steigt. Im stillen Haine geh' ich oft zu lauschen, Wenn alles schweigt. Ich bin bei dir, du seyst auch noch so ferne, Du bist mir nah! Die Sonne sinkt, bald leuchten mir die Sterne. O wärst du da!
Text Authorship:
- by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Nähe des Geliebten", written 1795, first published 1795
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Note: Wilhelmj's score has a typo in stanza 1, line 3: word 5 is "dich" instead of "sich".
I think of you when the sunlight shimmers, beaming from the sea1; I think of you when the moon's gleam paints the streams. I see you when, on distant roads, the dust rises up; in deep night, when on the narrow bridge a traveler quivers. I hear you when there, with a muffled roar, the waves rise. In the still grove I go often to listen, when everything is silent. I am with you, even if you are so far away. You are near me! The sun sinks, and soon the stars will shine for me. O, if only you were here!
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 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Nähe des Geliebten", written 1795, first published 1795
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View original text (without footnotes)Translation of title "Nähe des Geliebten" = "Near the beloved"
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 103
Du hast mir leis die Hand gedrückt, Und hast mich fragend angeblickt, Du lieber böser bleicher Mann; Warum hast du mir das gethan? Weißt du denn nicht: wenn Sternenschein Dringt in's dunkle Herz hinein, Der sehnt sich ewig zu den Höh'n, Wo sie so fromm herniederseh'n? Dein Auge ist wie Sternennacht, Voll zauberhafter Liebespracht; Nun zieht mir's ewig Herz und Sinn Zu diesen holden Sternen hin.
Text Authorship:
- by Nina von Waldburg , "Dein Auge ist wie Sternennacht", appears in Mädchenlieder, no. 2
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Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt Weiß, was ich leide! Allein und abgetrennt Von aller Freude Seh ich an's Firmament Nach jener Seite. Ach, der mich liebt und kennt, Ist in der Weite. Es schwindelt mir, es brennt Mein Eingeweide. Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt Weiß, was ich leide!
Text Authorship:
- by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Mignon", written 1785, appears in Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre, first published 1795
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First published in Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre. Ein Roman. Herausgegeben von Goethe. Zweyter Band. Berlin. Bei Johann Friedrich Unger. 1795, pages 265-266. The poem appears in Book 4, Chapter 11 of Goethe's novel.
Only one who knows longing Knows what I suffer! Alone and cut off From all joy, I look into the firmament In that direction. Ah! he who loves and knows me Is far away. I am reeling, My entrails are burning. Only one who knows longing Knows what I suffer!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Lawrence Snyder, (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.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Mignon", written 1785, appears in Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre, first published 1795
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This text was added to the website: 2003-10-13
Line count: 12
Word count: 50
Immer leiser wird mein Schlummer, Nur wie Schleier liegt mein Kummer Zitternd über mir. Oft im Traume hör' ich dich Rufen draus vor meiner Thür: Niemand wacht und öffnet dir, Ich erwach' und weine bitterlich. Ja ich werde sterben müssen, Eine andre wirst du küssen, Wenn ich bleich und kalt. Eh die Maienlüfte wehen, Eh die Drossel singt im Wald: Willst du mich noch einmal sehen, Komm, o komme bald!
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann von Lingg (1820 - 1905), "Lied", first published 1857
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My slumber grows ever more peaceful; and only like a thin veil now does my anxiety lie trembling upon me. Often in my dreams I hear you calling outside my door; no one is awake to let you in, and I wake up and weep bitterly. Yes, I will have to die; another will you kiss, when I am pale and cold. Before the May breezes blow, before the thrush sings in the forest: if you wish to see me once more, come, o come soon!
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 Hermann von Lingg (1820 - 1905), "Lied", first published 1857
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 14
Word count: 86
Nun bricht aus allen Zweigen Das frische Maiengrün, Die ersten Lerchen steigen, Die ersten Veilchen blüh'n; Und golden liegen Tal und Höh'n -- O Welt, du bist so wunderschön Im Maien! Und wie die Knospen springen, Da regt sich's allzumal; Die muntern Vögel singen, Die Quelle rauscht zu Tal; Und freudig schallt das Lustgetön: O Welt, du bist so wunderschön Im Maien! Wie sich die Bäume wiegen Im lieben Sonnenschein! Wie hoch die Vögel fliegen, Ich möchte hinterdrein; Möcht' jubeln über Tal und Höh'n: O Welt, du bist so wunderschön, Im Maien!
Text Authorship:
- by Julius Rodenberg (1831 - 1914), "Im Maien", appears in Lieder, in Wanderlieder, in Aus den Bergen
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[Now from all branches bursts forth]1 The [greenery in its May freshness]2, The first larks rise, The [first]3 violets bloom; And valley and heights lie golden -- Oh world, you are so wondrously beautiful, In May! And as the buds burst open, There is a general stirring; The merry birds sing, The water-spring rushes [into]4 the valley; And the joyful noise rings out: Oh world, you are so wondrously beautiful, In May! How the trees sway In the dear sunshine! How high the birds fly, I would like to follow them; I would like to rejoice above valley and heights: Oh world, you are so wondrously beautiful, In May!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 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.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Julius Rodenberg (1831 - 1914), "Im Maien", appears in Lieder, in Wanderlieder, in Aus den Bergen
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View original text (without footnotes)Translations of title(s):
"Im Mai" = "In May"
"Im Maien" = "In May"
"Nun bricht aus allen Zweigen" = "Now from all branches bursts forth"
"O Welt, du bist so schön" = "Oh world, you are so beautiful"
"O Welt, du bist so wunderschön" = "Oh world, you are so wondrously beautiful"
2 Hiller: "fresh May-greenery"
3 Billeter: "little"
4 Hiller: "toward"
This text was added to the website: 2020-07-03
Line count: 21
Word count: 113
Es ruht die Welt in Abendduft,
Die Sonne schläft, es hebt die Luft,
Die Blüthen spielen im Abendwind.
Schlaf ein, schlaf ein, mein süsses Kind.
Die Wellen murmeln im blauen See,
Sanft träumt im Schilfe die holde Fee,
Die Wipfel rauschen im Abendschein,
Mein süsses Kind, schlaf ein!
Die Blume schläft, doch haucht sie Duft
In die still verschwieg'ne Abendluft.
Es ruht das Herz, doch denkt es dein!
Mein süsses Kind, schlaf ein!
...
Text Authorship:
- by Margarethe Pilgram-Diehl (1817 - 1870), "Schlummerlied", appears in Gedichte, in Abend
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O Blätter, dürre Blätter! Wie trauert ihr so sehr! Als ihr noch gabet grünen Schein -- Da war mein lieber Schatz noch mein, Den hab' ich nimmermehr. O Blätter, dürre Blätter! Ihr habt ihn oft gesehn, Wie er so heiss geküsst mich hat - Ach! kann denn Liebe wie ein Blatt In einem Jahr vergehn? O Blätter, dürre Blätter! Es war ein falscher Knab'; Euch klag' ich es, ihr schweiget still, Weil ich sonst niemand sagen will, Wie lieb' ich ihn noch hab'!
Text Authorship:
- by (Karl) Ludwig Pfau (1821 - 1894), no title, appears in Gedichte [1847], in 3. Lieder und Stimmen, in Mädchenlieder, no. 11
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O leaves, withered leaves! How very mournful you are! When you still had a green gleam, my dear treasure still was mine - he whom I have no longer. O leaves, withered leaves! You had seen him so often, when he promised to be true - alas! can Love, like a leaf, pass away in only one year? O leaves, withered leaves! He was a false boy; If I lament to you, you will keep silent, for I will tell no one else how much I love him still.
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 (Karl) Ludwig Pfau (1821 - 1894), no title, appears in Gedichte [1847], in 3. Lieder und Stimmen, in Mädchenlieder, no. 11
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 15
Word count: 88
Muntrer Bach, was rauschst Du so? Rauschst so lauter, klar und froh; Wirfst den hellen Silberschaum An der Ufer grünen Saum - "Meinen Blumen, die da lauschen, Muß ich frohe Botschaft rauschen, Daß der Mai gekommen ist!" Lerche hoch in Sonnenschein, O wie jubelst Du so rein! Steigst mit Liedern himmelan, Daß der Blick nicht folgen kann - "Hoch gen Himmel muß ichs bringen, Und den Wolken muß ichs singen, Daß der Mai gekommen ist!" Liebes Herz in voller Brust, O was klagst Du so in Lust? Und in ungestümem Drang Jubelst Du so selig bang? - "Laß mich jubeln, laß mich klagen, Laß mich klopfen, laß mich schlagen, Weil der Mai gekommen ist!"
Text Authorship:
- by Julius Rodenberg (1831 - 1914), "Muntrer Bach", appears in Lieder, in Liebeslieder
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Happy stream, why do you roar so? Roaring so loudly, clearly and joyfully; Throwing your bright silver foam Onto the green riverbank – “To my listening flowers, I must shout the happy news, That May has come!” Lark, high in the sunshine, O how pure is your exaltation! Rising so close to heaven with songs, That the eye cannot follow you – “To high heaven must I tell, And to the clouds must I sing, That May has come!” Dear heart within my overflowing breast, Why do you beat with such intensity? And in unbridled fervor Exult with such blissful agitation? – “Let me rejoice, let me lament, Let me beat, let me pound, Because May has come!”
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.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Julius Rodenberg (1831 - 1914), "Muntrer Bach", appears in Lieder, in Liebeslieder
Go to the general single-text view
Translations of title(s):
"Mailied" = "May Song"
"Muntrer Bach" = "Happy Stream"
"Muntrer Bach, was rausch'st du so" = "Happy stream, why do you roar so?"
This text was added to the website: 2022-11-25
Line count: 21
Word count: 118
Um Mitternacht
Hab' ich gewacht
Und aufgeblickt gen Himmel;
Kein Stern am Sterngewimmel
Hat mir gelacht
Um Mitternacht.
Um Mitternacht
Hab' ich gedacht
Hinaus in dunkle Schranken.
Es hat kein Lichtgedanken
Mir Trost gebracht
Um Mitternacht.
Um Mitternacht
Nahm ich in Acht
Die Schläge meines Herzens;
Ein einz'ger Puls der Schmerzen
War angefacht
Um Mitternacht.
...
Um Mitternacht
Hab' ich die Macht
In deine Hand gegeben!
Herr über Tod und Leben
Du hältst die Wacht
Um Mitternacht!
At midnight
I awoke
and gazed up to heaven;
No star in the entire mass
did smile down at me
at midnight.
At midnight
I projected my thoughts
out past the dark barriers.
No thought of light
brought me comfort
at midnight.
At midnight
I paid close attention
to the beating of my heart;
One single pulse of agony
flared up
at midnight.
[ ... ]
At midnight
I surrendered my strength
into your hands!
Lord! over death and life
You keep watch
at midnight!
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 Friedrich Rückert (1788 - 1866), "Mitternacht"
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 30
Word count: 104
Ich weiss einen wackern Gesellen voll Kraft und Lust und Scherz; Den Hammer weiss er zu führen, Er weiss das Feuer zu schüren, Zu rühren weiss er das Herz. Den hab' ich mir erkoren vor allen Andern zumal. Ich möcht' ihm gerne geben All mein jung frisches Leben Im Jugendsonnenstrahl. Und käm' er hergegangen und sagte: Mein Schatz, sei mein! Ich thät ihn fröhlich grüssen, Ich thät ihn herzen und küssen: Auf ewig, ewig bin ich dein!
Text Authorship:
- by (Karl) Wolfgang Müller von Königswinter (1816 - 1873)
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Über allen Gipfeln Ist Ruh', In allen Wipfeln Spürest du Kaum einen Hauch; Die Vögelein schweigen im Walde. Warte nur, balde Ruhest du auch.
Text Authorship:
- by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Ein Gleiches", written 1780, first published 1815
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Note: in many older editions, the spelling of the capitalized word "über" becomes "Ueber", but this is often due to the printing process and not to rules of orthography, since the lower-case version is not "ueber", so we use "Über".
See also J.D. Falk's poem Unter allen Wipfeln ist Ruh.
Over all the peaks it is peaceful, in all the treetops you feel hardly a breath of wind; the little birds are silent in the forest... only wait - soon you will rest as well.
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 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Ein Gleiches", written 1780, first published 1815
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: 34
Uf'm Bergli Bin i gesässe, Ha de Vögle Zugeschaut; Hänt gesunge, Hänt gesprunge, Hänts Nästli Gebaut. In ä Garte Bin i gestande, Ha de Imbli Zugeschaut; Hänt gebrummet, Hänt gesummet, Hänt Zelli Gebaut. Uf di Wiese Bin i gange, Lugt'i Summer- vögle a; Hänt gesoge, Hänt gefloge, Gar z'schön hänt's Gethan. Und da kummt nu Der Hansel, Und da zeig i Em froh, Wie sie's mache, Und mer lache Und mache's Au so.
Text Authorship:
- by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Schweizerlied", written 1811, first published 1815
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On the hillside I sat, Watching the birds; They sang, they jumped; They built nests. In the garden I stood, Watching the bees; They hummed, they buzzed, They built their hive.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from Swiss German (Schwizerdütsch) to English copyright © 2007 by Thomas A. Gregg, (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.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in Swiss German (Schwizerdütsch) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Schweizerlied", written 1811, first published 1815
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2007-11-07
Line count: 16
Word count: 31