LiederNet logo

CONTENTS

×
  • Home | Introduction
  • Composers (20,109)
  • Text Authors (19,482)
  • Go to a Random Text
  • What’s New
  • A Small Tour
  • FAQ & Links
  • Donors
  • DONATE

UTILITIES

  • Search Everything
  • Search by Surname
  • Search by Title or First Line
  • Search by Year
  • Search by Collection

CREDITS

  • Emily Ezust
  • Contributors (1,114)
  • Contact Information
  • Bibliography

  • Copyright Statement
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us on Facebook

English translations of Sechs Lieder, opus 18

by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858)

Return to the original list

1.   [sung text not yet checked]
by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858), op. 18 (Sechs Lieder) no. ?, published 1843 [ voice and piano ]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es ist [so]1 still geworden,
Verrauscht des Abends Wehn,
Nun hört man aller Orten
Der [Engel]2 Füße gehn,
Rings in die [Thale]3 senket
Sich Finsterniß mit Macht --
Wirf ab, Herz, was dich kränket
Und was dir bange macht!

Es ruht die Welt [im]4 Schweigen, 
Ihr Tosen ist vorbei,
Stumm ihrer Freude Reigen
Und stumm ihr Schmerzenschrei.
Hat Rosen sie geschenket,
Hat Dornen sie gebracht --
Wirf ab, Herz, was dich kränket
Und was dir bange macht! 

Und hast du heut gefehlet, 
O [schaue nicht]5 zurück;
Empfinde dich beseelet 
Von freier Gnade Glück.
Auch des Verirrten denket 
Der Hirt auf hoher Wacht --
Wirf ab, Herz, was dich kranket 
Und was dir bange macht! 

Nun stehn im Himmelskreise
Die Stern' in Majestät;
In gleichem festem Gleise
Der goldne Wagen geht.
Und gleich den [Sternen]6 lenket
Er deinen Weg durch Nacht --
Wirf ab, Herz, was dich kränket,
Und was dir bange macht!

Text Authorship:

  • by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882), "Ein geistlich Abendlied", appears in Gedichte, in Auf der Wanderschaft, no. 7

See other settings of this text.

View original text (without footnotes)

Confirmed wtih Gedichte von Gottfried Kinkel, Erster Band, Siebente Auflage, Stuttgart, Verlag der J. F. Cotta'schen Buchhandlung, 1872, pages 191-192.

1 Blumner: "nun" (Musikalien-catalog von Heinrichshofen's Verlag in Magdeburg); further changes may exist not shown above
2 Taubert: "Eng'lein"
3 Ohlsen: "Thäler"; Schumann: "Tiefe"
4 Ohlsen: "in"
5 Taubert: "schau' nicht trüb"
6 Ohlsen: "Stürmen" (the score is almost certainly erroneous)

by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882)
1. Evening song
Language: English 
It has [become so]1 quiet.
The evening breeze has rustled itself out.
Now one hears everywhere
The footsteps of the angels.
All around darkness sinks
Powerfully into the [valleys]2;
Cast off, heart, what grieves you
And what makes you anxious!
 
The world rests in silence,
Its turbulence is past,
Its roundelay of joy is mute,
And mute its cry of pain;
Whether it provided roses,
Whether it brought thorns,
Cast off, heart, what grieves you
And what makes you anxious!
 
And if today you erred,
Oh do not look back;
Feel yourself animated
By the good fortune of free grace.
The shepherd upon his watch on high
Thinks also of the lost one--
Cast off, heart, what grieves you
And what makes you anxious!
 
Now all about the heavens
The stars stand in majesty.
Along the old, firm pathway
The golden carriage [the moon] is travelling.
And like the stars, it directs
Your way through the night.
Cast off, heart, what grieves you
And what makes you anxious!

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.
    Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882), "Ein geistlich Abendlied", appears in Gedichte, in Auf der Wanderschaft, no. 7
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

View original text (without footnotes)

Translated titles:
"Ein geistlich Abendlied" = "A sacred evening song"
"Ein geistliches Abendlied" = "A sacred evening song"
"Abendlied" = "Evening song"
"Geistliches Abendlied" = "Sacred evening song"

1 Blumner: "now become" (Musikalien-catalog von Heinrichshofen's Verlag in Magdeburg); further changes may exist not shown above. 2 Schumann: "depths"

This text was added to the website: 2008-09-03
Line count: 32
Word count: 170

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
2. Am Ufer
 (Sung text)
by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858), "Am Ufer", op. 18 (Sechs Lieder) no. 2, published 1843 [ voice and piano ]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Erblick' ich dort am Ufer jene Stelle,
So dringt es bis an’s Herz mir warm und helle;
Ein Liebeshauch weht über allen Lüften,
Ein Liebesruf hallt wieder aus den Klüften.
Mit dir einst stand ich unter diesen Bäumen,
In ihre Wipfel auf stieg unser Träumen;
Und tönet nun wie Aeolsharfenlieder 
Harmonisch säuselnd aus den Blättern wieder.

Die Bäume werden stolz noch aufwärts streben,
Wenn längst zu Staub gesunken unser Leben.
Mit jedem Lenzgeweckten jungen Triebe,
Leis’ rauschen sie die Botschaft unsrer Liebe.
Dass stürmender in weicher Dämmerstunde,
Der Mund des Knaben häng’ an Liebchens Munde
Und heilig weihend ihre Brust durchfluten
Verscholl’nen Sängerpaars verschwieg’ne Gluten.

Text Authorship:

  • by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882)
  • by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858)

Go to the general single-text view

by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882) and by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858)
2. At the river bank
Language: English 
When I see this place at the river bank,
My heart feels warm and bright;
The breeze of love is blowing everywhere,
A call of love echoes through the air.
I stood under these trees with you one time,
Our dreams climbed up their tops;
Now, they sound back from the leaves,
Whispering harmoniously like Aeolian harp songs.

Proudly, the trees will grow into the air,
When our lives have long turned into dust.
The saplings will whisper the message
Of our love every spring time.
May the boy and the girl kiss each other
In soft dawning hours,
May the silent songs of the long forgotten 
Singing couple flood through their hearts.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2014 by Anja Bunzel, (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) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882) and by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858)
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2014-07-24
Line count: 16
Word count: 113

Translation © by Anja Bunzel
3. Auf wohlauf, ihr Candioten
 (Sung text)
by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858), "Auf wohlauf, ihr Candioten", op. 18 (Sechs Lieder) no. 3 (1841/2), published 1843, stanzas 1-3,12,4,10 [ voice and piano ]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Auf, wohlauf, ihr Candioten, schwinget hoch das Kreuzpanier,
Funkeln laßt die weißen Felsen in des Blutes Purpurzier!

Unser ist das Land, das mächtig aus dem Ozean sich hebt,
Unser sey es, bis es mördrisch neu der Ozean begräbt!

Unser ist des Kornes Fülle, unser ist des Weines Glut,
Unser die metallne Ader, die in ew'gen Bergen ruht.

 ... 

Auf wohlauf, ihr Candioten, hoch das Kreuz und hoch den Speer,
Und der Roßhuf des Osmanli stampfe nie den Boden mehr!

Unser sind die hundert Städte, Hoch mit Ruhme sonst genannt --
Ach es blieben wenig Dörfer, hingemordet und verbrannt!

 ... 

Wehe aber, dreifach wehe Jedem, der des Volkes Schritt 
Hemmet auf dem Pfad der Freiheit, Ihn zermahlt der Rache Tritt!

Text Authorship:

  • by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882), "Schlachtgesang der Kandioten", written 1841

Go to the general single-text view

by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882)
3.
Language: English 
Arise, arise well, ye residents of Crete, raise high the banner of the cross,
Let the white cliffs sparkle in the crimson ornament of blood!

Ours is [this]1 country that lifts itself mightily from the sea;
Ours shall it remain until the ocean buries murderously it anew!

Ours is the plethora of wheat, ours the blazing of wine,
Ours the veins of minerals that rest in the eternal mountains.

[ ... ]

[Therefore]5 arise well, ye residents of Crete, raise high the cross and high the spear,
And may the horse-hooves of the Ottomans nevermore tread upon your soil!

Ours are the hundred cities, [proudly named once in song --]2
Alas, there remain few villages, [horribly destroyed and grimly burned!]3

[ ... ]

[But woe, woe to everyone who hinders the steps of the people
Who go to battle for freedom, for revenge shall obliterate him along with them!]4

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2015 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 (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882), "Schlachtgesang der Kandioten", written 1841
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

View original text (without footnotes)
1 Johanna Kinkel: "the"
2 Johanna Kinkel: "Named once with high praise;"
3 Johanna Kinkel: "[their residents] murdered and [the villages] burned."
4 Johanna Kinkel: "But woe, threefold woe to everyone who hinders the steps / Of the people on the path of freedom, he shall be ground down by the footsteps of revenge!"
5 Johanna Kinkel: "Arise,"


This text was added to the website: 2015-07-02
Line count: 24
Word count: 279

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
4. Seelige Nacht
 (Sung text)
by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858), "Seelige Nacht", op. 18 (Sechs Lieder) no. 4, published 1843, stanzas 1-3,6 [ voice and piano ]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Noch einmal erklingt ihr Gläser,
Durchglüht von dem purpurnem Wein!
Ein Lied der Kraft und der Freude
Soll hell noch gesungen sein.
Da unten vom dunkeln Strande
Der Schiffer schon ruft: habt Acht,
Nun auf dem schimmernden Saale
In die hehre, die seelige Nacht.

Da liegt, wie im blauen Mantel
Ein schlafender König der Rhein;
Vom Himmelsgewölbe giessen 
Die Sterne den milden Schein.
Wohl schweigen Wort und Gesänge,
Doch tief in der Seele erwacht
Das hohe Geheimniß der Liebe
In der heiligen, seeligen Nacht.

So sanft auf den Spiegelfluthen
Wiegt uns der schwebende Kahn;
Mir war, gelehnet an den Liebsten
Als schiff’ er uns himmelan.
So nah dem geliebtesten Herzen
Behorcht’ ich, was still es gedacht;
Es schlug voll unendlicher Treue
In der trauten, holdseeligen Nacht.

 ... 

Fest Hand in Hand geschlossen,
Tief Seele der Seele geeint! – 
Da fallen zwei Sterne herunter
Als ob es ein Engel beweint’
Mit leuchtenden Himmelsthränen
Daß irdischen Glückes Pracht
Ach, immer zu bald uns entschwebet
Wie die seelige, seelige Nacht.

Text Authorship:

  • by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858), "Seelige Nacht"

Go to the general single-text view

by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858)
4. Blessed night
Language: English 
Once again, clink the glasses,
Full of red wine!
A song of strength and happiness
Shall be sung brightly
In the gleaming hall.
The captain shouts: ‘Watch out’,
From the dark river bank
During the noble, blessed night.

Blue-coated, the river Rhine
Sleeps like a king; 
The stars are sparkling
Mildly from the sky.
No words and no singing, all silent,
But, deep in the soul, awakes
The great secret of love
During the sacred, blessed night.

The floating tub cradles us
Over the reflective floods;
Leaning against my beloved,
I feel I am moving skywards.
So close to the beloved’s heart,
I listen to what it had to say;
A beat of eternal faith
During the intimate, blessed night.

[ ... ]

Hand in hand,
Having united our souls! – 
Two stars are falling down
As if an angel had cried a
Bright heavenly tear.
May the joyful glory
Always be with us like 
During this blessed, blessed night.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2014 by Anja Bunzel, (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 Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858), "Seelige Nacht"
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2014-07-24
Line count: 48
Word count: 240

Translation © by Anja Bunzel
5. Wolle keiner mich fragen
 (Sung text)
by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858), "Wolle keiner mich fragen", op. 18 (Sechs Lieder) no. 5, published 1843 [ voice and piano ]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wolle Keiner mich fragen,
Warum mein Herz so schlägt,
Ich kann's nicht fassen, nicht sagen,
Was mich bewegt.

Als wie im Traume schwanken
Trunken die Sinne mir;
Alle meine Gedanken
Sind nur bei dir.

Ich habe die Welt vergessen,
Seit ich dein Auge gesehn;
Ich möchte dich an mich pressen
Und still im Kuß vergehn.

Mein Leben möcht' ich lassen
Um ein Lächeln von dir,
Und du - ich kann's nicht fassen -
Versagst es mir.

Ist's Schicksal, ist's dein Wille?
Du siehst mich nicht. -
Nun wein' ich stille, stille,
Bis das Herz mir zerbricht.

Text Authorship:

  • by Emanuel von Geibel (1815 - 1884), "Wolle keiner mich fragen", appears in Jugendgedichte, in 2. Zweites Buch, in Berlin

See other settings of this text.

by Emanuel von Geibel (1815 - 1884)
5. Does nobody want to ask me
Language: English 
Does nobody want to ask me,
Why my heart beats so fast,
I cannot believe it, I cannot tell
What it is that moves me.

My senses alternate
Like drunk dreams;
All my thoughts
Are only concerned with you.

I have forgotten about the world,
Since I saw your eyes;
I want to lean against you
And kiss you silently.

I want to die
For the sake of your smile,
And you – I cannot believe it – 
Reject me.

Is it destiny? Is it your will?
You do not see me.
Now I will cry quietly,
Until my heart breaks.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2014 by Anja Bunzel, (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 Emanuel von Geibel (1815 - 1884), "Wolle keiner mich fragen", appears in Jugendgedichte, in 2. Zweites Buch, in Berlin
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2014-07-24
Line count: 20
Word count: 101

Translation © by Anja Bunzel
6. Stürmisch Wandern
 (Sung text)
by Johanna Kinkel (1810 - 1858), "Stürmisch Wandern", op. 18 (Sechs Lieder) no. 6 (1842/3), published 1843 [ voice and piano ]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Felsen steigen herauf, herab,
Fliegt es zum Himmel? Steigt es ins Grab?
Über die Felsen hinab, hinauf,
Geht ungehalten mein steter Lauf.
 
Oben umwandelt der Sturm mich rund,
Los mich zu reißen vom festen Grund.
Unten aber der Ströme Grausen,
Die grimmig schwellend zum Meere brausen;
Schnee auf den Höhn, Regen im Tal,
Grausen und Schrecken allzumal.
 
Nimmer verzagt, nimmer geklagt und gejammert, 
Sprung da gewagt, fest an den Fels dich geklammert.
Und dem Sturm zuwider mit trotziger Lust
Jauchz ich aus wild arbeitender Brust.
Und dem brausenden Gießbach,
dem eisigen Regen,
Ruf ich ein fröhliches Lied entgegen!

Text Authorship:

  • by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882)

Go to the general single-text view

by (Johann) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882)
6. Stormy ramble
Language: English 
Rocky cliffs and steep slopes,
Am I on the way up or on the way down?
My steady ramble leads
Over the rocks, down and up.

On top of the mountain there is a strong storm
That makes me stumble.
But in the valley there are terrifying rivers
That bluster to the sea;
Snow on the top, rain in the valley,
Horror and fright everywhere.

I never gave up, I never complained,
I risked a jump, holding onto the rocks.
Against the storm, with bold happiness,
I am cheering wildly.
I sing a happy song as a response to 
The icy rain,
And the roaring stream!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2014 by Anja Bunzel, (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) Gottfried Kinkel (1815 - 1882)
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2014-07-25
Line count: 17
Word count: 106

Translation © by Anja Bunzel
Gentle Reminder

This website began in 1995 as a personal project by Emily Ezust, who has been working on it full-time without a salary since 2008. Our research has never had any government or institutional funding, so if you found the information here useful, please consider making a donation. Your help is greatly appreciated!
–Emily Ezust, Founder

Donate

We use cookies for internal analytics and to earn much-needed advertising revenue. (Did you know you can help support us by turning off ad-blockers?) To learn more, see our Privacy Policy. To learn how to opt out of cookies, please visit this site.

I acknowledge the use of cookies

Contact
Copyright
Privacy

Copyright © 2025 The LiederNet Archive

Site redesign by Shawn Thuris