English translations of Zwölf Lieder, opus 20

by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913)

1. Die schönen Augen der Frühlingsnacht  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Die schönen Augen der Frühlingsnacht", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 1 no. 1, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  Die schönen Augen der Frühlingsnacht,
[Sie schauen]1 so tröstend [nieder]2:
Hat dich die Liebe so kleinlich gemacht,
Die Liebe, sie hebt dich wieder.

  Auf grüner Linde sitzt und singt
Die süße Philomele;
Wie mir das Lied zur Seele dringt,
So dehnt sich wieder die Seele.

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Confirmed with: Heinrich Heine’s sämtliche Werke in vier Bänden, herausgegeben von Otto F. Lachmann, Erster Band, Leipzig: Druck und Verlag von Philipp Reclam jun, [1887], page 240.

1 Hanslick: "Schauen"
2 Hanslick: "hernieder"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
1. The Beauteous Eyes of a Spring Night
Language: English 
The beauteous eyes of a spring night
look so consolingly below upon thee.
Love, that has acted so shabbily with thee,
yet again holds thee in thrall.

Sweet Philomela perches and sings
upon the green linden branches.
My soul blossoms forth with new vigor
once her song enters within.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Andrew Schneider, (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):
"... (Aus Heines neuern Frühling)" = "(From Heine's New Spring)"
"Die schönen Augen" = "Beauteous Eyes"
"Die schönen Augen der Frühlingsnacht" = "The Beauteous Eyes of a Spring Night"
"Frühlingslied" = "Spring Song"



This text was added to the website: 2020-03-28
Line count: 8
Word count: 49

Translation © by Andrew Schneider
2. Wie des Mondes Abbild zittert  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Wie des Mondes Abbild zittert", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 1 no. 2, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie des Mondes Abbild zittert
In den wilden Meereswogen,
Und er selber still und sicher
Wandelt an dem Himmelsbogen:

Also wandelst du, Geliebte,
Still und sicher, und es zittert
Nur dein Abbild mir im Herzen,
Weil mein eig'nes Herz erschüttert.

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Confirmed with Neue Gedichte von Heinrich Heine, Zehnte Auflage, Hamburg, Hoffmann und Campe, 1871, page 29.

Note: Moór's setting has a typo in the score in stanza 2, line 3, word 1 ("mir")


by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
2. Just as the moon's reflection trembles
Language: English 
 Just as the moon's reflection trembles
 in the wild waves of the sea,
 and the moon itself quietly and safely
 wanders above in the heavens:
 
 So do you, beloved, wander
 quiet and safe; only your reflection
 trembles in my heart
 while my own heart shakes.

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
3. Leise zieht durch mein Gemüt  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Leise zieht durch mein Gemüt", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 1 no. 3, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Leise [zieht]1 durch mein Gemüth
Liebliches Geläute.
Klinge, kleines Frühlingslied,
Kling' hinaus in's Weite.

[Kling']2 hinaus bis an das Haus,
Wo die [Blumen]3 sprießen.
Wenn du eine Rose schaust,
Sag' ich lass' sie grüßen.

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Confirmed with Neue Gedichte von Heinrich Heine, Zehnte Auflage, Hamburg, Hoffmann und Campe, 1871, page 10.

Note: modern German would change the spelling "Gemüth" to "Gemüt"

1 Quiteria: "klingt"; further changes may exist not shown above.
2 Grieg: "Zieh"
3 Behrens, Gade, Grieg, Urspruch, Zenger: "Veilchen"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
3. Sweet chimes are softly filling my soul
Language: English 
Sweet chimes are softly
filling my soul;
Ring, little springtime-song
Ring out: far and wide.

Go forward till you reach the house,
where the violets bloom;
And if you see a rose,
give her my greetings.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Marty Lucas, (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: 36

Translation © by Marty Lucas
4. Dämmernd liegt der Sommerabend  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Dämmernd liegt der Sommerabend", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 1 no. 4, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Dämmernd liegt der Sommerabend
Über Wald und grünen Wiesen;
Goldner Mond, [am]1 blauen Himmel,
Strahlt herunter, duftig labend.

An dem Bache zirpt die Grille,
Und es regt sich in dem Wasser,
Und der Wandrer hört ein Plätschern,
Und ein Athmen in der Stille.

Dorten, [an]2 dem Bach alleine,
Badet sich die schöne Elfe;
Arm und Nacken, weiß und lieblich,
Schimmern in dem Mondenscheine.

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1 Brahms, Elling: "im"
2 Kauffmann: "in"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
4. At twilight the summer evening lies
Language: English 
At twilight the summer evening lies
Over woods and green fields;
In the blue sky the golden moon
Gleams down in a refreshing haze.

By the brook, the cricket chirps
And something stirs in the water,
And the traveler hears a splashing sound,
And a breathing in the silence.

Over there, alone by the brook,
The fair water-sprite is bathing;
Her arm and neck, white and lovely,
Shimmer in the light of the moon.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2019 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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Translations of titles:
"Dämmernd liegt der Sommerabend" = "At twilight the summer evening lies"
"Sommerabend" = "Summer evening"



This text was added to the website: 2019-12-03
Line count: 12
Word count: 74

Translation © by Emily Ezust
5. Sterne mit den gold'nen Füßchen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Sterne mit den gold'nen Füßchen", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 1 no. 5, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
   Sterne mit den goldnen Füßchen,
Wandeln droben bang und sacht,
Daß sie nicht die Erde wecken
Die da schläft im Schoß der Nacht.
 
   Horchend stehn die stummen Wälder,
Jedes Blatt ein grünes Ohr!
Und der Berg, wie träumend streckt er
Seinen Schattenarm hervor.
 
   Doch was rief [dort]1? In mein Herze
Dringt der Töne Widerhall.
War es der Geliebten Stimme,
Oder [nur]2 die Nachtigall?

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine’s sämtliche Werke in vier Bänden, herausgegeben von Otto F. Lachmann, Erster Band, Leipzig: Druck und Verlag von Philipp Reclam jun., [no year], page 251.

1 Franz, Wolf: "es"
2 Franz, Wolf: "war's"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
5. Stars with little golden feet
Language: English 
   Stars with little golden feet
Are wandering above, anxiously and gently,
So that they do not waken the earth
That sleeps in the lap of night.
 
   Listening the mute forests stand,
Every leaf a green ear!
And the mountain, as in a dream,
Stretches forth its shadowy arm.
 
   But what called [yonder]1? Into my heart
Penetrates the echo of the sounds.
Was it the voice of my beloved,
Or [simply]2 the nightingale?

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 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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Translated titles:
"Sterne mit den gold'nen Füßchen" = "Stars with little golden feet"
"Sterne" = "Stars"
"Nachtlied" = "Night song"
"Sommernacht" = "Summer night"
"Nachtstück" = "Night piece"
"Mainacht" = "May night"

1 omitted by Franz, Wolf
2 Franz, Wolf: "was it"


This text was added to the website: 2016-06-27
Line count: 12
Word count: 75

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
6. Der Schmetterling ist in die Rose verliebt  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Der Schmetterling ist in die Rose verliebt", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 1 no. 6, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der Schmetterling ist in die [Rose]1 verliebt,
Umflattert sie tausendmal,
Ihn selber aber goldig [zart]2
Umflattert der [liebende Sonnenstrahl]3.

[Jedoch]4, in wen ist die Rose verliebt?
Das wüßt' ich gar [zu]5 gern.
Ist es die singende Nachtigall?
[Ist es]6 der schweigende Abendstern?

Ich weiß nicht, in [wen]7 die [Rose]1 verliebt;
Ich aber lieb' euch all:
[Rose]8, Schmetterling, Sonnenstrahl,
Abendstern und Nachtigall.

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Confirmed with: Heinrich Heine’s sämtliche Werke in vier Bänden, herausgegeben von Otto F. Lachmann, Erster Band, Leipzig: Druck und Verlag von Philipp Reclam jun, [1887], page 241.

1 Goldschmidt: "Ros'"
2 Stanford: "und zart"
3 Lang: "Sonnenstrahl"
4 Lang: "Doch"
5 Stanford: "so"
6 Lang: "oder"
7 Urspruch: "wen ist"
8 Lang: "O Rose"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
6.
Language: English 
The butterfly is in love with the rose,
Flutters about [the rose] a thousand times,
About the butterfly [with golden tenderness]1
Flutters the [loving sunbeam]2.

However, with whom is the rose in love?
That I would very much like to know.
Is it with the singing nightingale?
[Is it]3 with the silent evening star?

I do not know with whom the rose is in love;
But I, I love you all:
[Rose]4, butterfly, sunbeam,
Evening star and nightingale.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 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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Translated titles:
"Alles liebet" = "Everything loves"
"Aus Heine's Neue Gedichte" = "From Heine’s new poems"
"Der Schmetterling" = "The butterfly"
"Der Schmetterling ist in die Rose verliebt = "The butterfly is in love with the rose"
"Frühlingslied" = "Spring song"
"Rosenlied" = "Rose song"
"Wenn ich liebe" = "When I love"

1 Stanford: "golden and tenderly"
2 Lang: "sunbeam"
3 Lang: "or"
4 Lang: "Oh rose"


This text was added to the website: 2006-12-04
Line count: 12
Word count: 84

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
7. Mit deinen blauen Augen  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Mit deinen blauen Augen", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 2 no. 7, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  Mit deinen blauen Augen
Siehst du mich [lieblich]1 an,
Da ward mir so träumend zu Sinne,
Daß ich nicht sprechen kann.
 
  An deinen blauen Augen
Gedenk' ich allerwärts: --
Ein Meer von blauen Gedanken
Ergießt sich über mein Herz.

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Confirmed with: Heinrich Heine’s sämtliche Werke in vier Bänden, herausgegeben von Otto F. Lachmann, Erster Band, Leipzig: Druck und Verlag von Philipp Reclam jun, [1887], page 245.

1 Würz: "freundlich"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
7. With your blue eyes
Language: English 
With your blue eyes
You look at me lovingly,
Then my senses grow so dreamy
That I cannot speak.

Of your blue eyes
I am reminded everywhere:
A sea of blue thoughts
Pours forth over my heart.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Lawrence Snyder and Rebecca Plack, (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: 37

Translation © by Lawrence Snyder, Rebecca Plack
8. In dem Walde sprießt und grünt es  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "In dem Walde sprießt und grünt es", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 2 no. 8, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
In dem Walde sprießt und grünt es
Fast jüngfräulich lustbeklommen;
Doch die Sonne [lacht]1 herunter:
Junger Frühling, sei willkommen!

Nachtigall! auch dich schon hör' ich,
Wie du flötest selig trübe
Schluchzend langgezogne Töne,
Und dein Lied ist lauter Liebe!

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Confirmed with: Heinrich Heine’s sämtliche Werke in vier Bänden, herausgegeben von Otto F. Lachmann, Erster Band, Leipzig: Druck und Verlag von Philipp Reclam jun, [1887], page 240.

1 Hohfeld: "scheint"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
8. Spring song
Language: English 
In the forest it blooms and greens
almost virginally full of desire;
yet the sun laughs down:
young Spring, welcome!

Nightingale, I already hear
how you sing, blissfully sad,
long, sobbing tones,
and your song is pure love!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by John W. Grubbs, (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: 38

Translation © by John W. Grubbs
9. Wandl' ich in dem Wald des Abends  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Wandl' ich in dem Wald des Abends", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 2 no. 9, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wandl' ich [in dem]1 Wald des Abends,
In dem träumerischen Wald,
Immer wandelt mir zur Seite
Deine zärtliche Gestalt.
 
Ist es nicht dein weißer Schleier?
Nicht dein sanftes Angesicht?
Oder ist es nur der Mondschein,
Der durch Tannendunkel bricht?
 
Sind es meine eignen Tränen
Die ich leise rinnen hör'?
Oder gehst du, Liebste, [wirklich]2
Weinend neben mir einher?

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1 Lassen: "den" (further changes may exist not noted above); Zemlinsky: "im"
2 Zemlinsky: "weinend"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
9. When I wander in the evening woods
Language: English 
When I wander in the evening woods,
In the dream-like woods,
Ever at my side wanders
Your tender form.

Is this not your white veil?
Is this not your mild face?
Or is it only moonlight
Breaking through the darkness of the firs?

Is it my own tears
That I hear softly running?
Or are you, beloved, truly walking here,
Weeping close beside me?

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2012 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: 2012-12-03
Line count: 12
Word count: 64

Translation © by Emily Ezust
10. Mein süßes Lieb, wenn du im Grab  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Mein süßes Lieb, wenn du im Grab", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 2 no. 10, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Mein süßes Lieb, wenn du im Grab,
Im dunkeln Grab wirst liegen,
Dann will ich steigen zu dir hinab,
Und will mich an dich schmiegen.

Ich küsse, [umschlinge und]1  presse dich wild,
Du Stille, du Kalte, du Bleiche!
Ich jauchze, ich zittre, ich weine mild,
Ich werde selber zur Leiche.

Die Toten stehn auf, die Mitternacht ruft,
Sie tanzen im luftigen Schwarme;
Wir beide bleiben in der Gruft,
Ich liege in deinem Arme.

Die Toten stehn auf, der Tag des Gerichts
Ruft sie zu Qual und Vergnügen;
Wir beide bekümmern uns um nichts,
Und bleiben umschlungen liegen.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 136.

1 Hetsch: "umschlinge, ich"

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
10.
[Translation not yet available]
11. Die blauen Veilchen der Äugelein  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Die blauen Veilchen der Äugelein", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 2 no. 11, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die blauen Veilchen der Äugelein, 
Die roten Rosen der Wängelein, 
Die weißen Liljen der Händchen klein, 
Die blühen und blühen noch immerfort, 
Und nur das Herzchen ist verdorrt.

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Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 135.


by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
11.
[Translation not yet available]
12. Der Tod, das ist die kühle Nacht  [sung text not yet checked]
by Arno Kleffel (1840 - 1913), "Der Tod, das ist die kühle Nacht", op. 20 (Zwölf Lieder), Heft 2 no. 12, published 1876 [ voice and piano ], Dresden, Hoffarth
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der Tod, das ist die kühle Nacht,
Das Leben ist der schwüle Tag.
Es dunkelt schon, mich schläfert,
Der Tag hat mich müd gemacht.

Über mein Bett erhebt sich ein Baum,
Drin singt die junge Nachtigall;
Sie singt von lauter Liebe -
Ich hör es sogar im Traum.

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by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
12. Death is the cool night
Language: English 
Death is the cool night;
Life is the sultry day.
It is growing dark already, and I feel drowsy, 
The day has made me weary.

Above my bed stands a tree
In which the young nightingale sings;
It sings of sonorous love -
And I even hear it in my dreams.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2019 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.


Based on:

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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 50

Translation © by Emily Ezust