English translations of Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel], opus 9

by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847)

1. Frage
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Frage", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 1
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ist es wahr? Ist es wahr?
Daß du stets dort in dem Laubgang,
An der Weinwand meiner harrst?
Und den Mondschein und die Sternlein
Auch nach mir befragst?

Ist es wahr? Sprich!
Was ich fühle, das begreift nur,
Die es mit fühlt,
Und die treu mir ewig,
Treu mir ewig, ewig bleibt.

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Note: The first edition of opus 9 attributed the text to "H. Voss", but Sebastian Hensel (Fanny's son) later wrote that Felix Mendelssohn wrote both music and words on June 6, 1827. Source : Mendelssohn - 24 Songs : Medium Voice, ed. John Glenn Paton, Alfred Music Publishing, 1992.

sometimes misattributed to Johann Heinrich Voss (1751 - 1826) and by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847)
1. Question
Language: English 
Is it true? Is it true
that over there in the leafy walkway, you always
wait for me by the vine-draped wall?
And that with the moonlight and the little stars
you consult about me also?

Is it true? Speak!
What I feel, only she grasps --
she who feels with me
and stays ever faithful to me,
eternally faithful.

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: 10
Word count: 59

Translation © by Emily Ezust
2. Geständniß
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Geständniß", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 2
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Kennst du nicht das Glutverlangen,
Diese Qual und diese Lust?
Die mit Hoffen und mit Bangen
Woget durch die enge Brust?

Siehst du denn nicht, wie ich bebe,
Schein' ich lächelnd auch und kalt,
Wie ich ringe, wie ich strebe
Gegen deine Allgewalt!

Ahnst du nichts von meinen Schmerzen,
Hast du Mitleid nicht für mich?
Spricht im unentweihten Herzen
Keine Stimme denn für mich?

Laß die Qual mich nicht verzehren,
Ach Maria, sei doch mein!
Dir nur will ich angehören,
Ich will ganz dein eigen sein!

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possibly by Eduard (Philipp) Devrient (1801 - 1877)
2. Do you not know the burning desire
Language: English 
Do you not know the burning desire,
This torment and this pleasure
That, with hope and with dread,
Surge through my anxious breast?

Can you not see how I tremble,
Though I appear smiling and cool,
How I writhe, how I struggle
Against your matchless power!

Do you suspect nothing of my pain,
Have you no compassion for me?
Is there, in your insolent heart,
No voice to speak then for me?

Let this agony not consume me,
Ah Maria, be mine indeed!
I want to belong to you alone,
I want to be yours completely!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2011 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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Mendelssohn's title in English: "Confession"


This text was added to the website: 2011-05-02
Line count: 16
Word count: 96

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall
3. Wartend
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Wartend", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 3 (1830)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Sie trug einen Falken auf ihrer Hand,
und hat ihn über den See gesandt.
     Komme du bald!
Er kam mit dem Falken wohl über den See,
und blies ins Hüfthorn vor Lust und Weh,
     Komme du bald!
Der Falk flog weit in Wald und Nacht;
vom Morgentraum ist das Fräulein erwacht.
     Komme, komme du bald!

Text Authorship:

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Confirmed with Rüdiger Bliss, Pommersche Literatur: Proben und Daten, Hamburg: Pommersche Zentralverband, 1969, page 57.


by Johann Gustav Droysen (1808 - 1884)
3. Waiting
Language: English 
She carried a falcon on her hand
And sent it across the sea.
  Come soon!
He came with the falcon, back across the sea,
And blew into a horn of bone his joy and sorrow.
  Come soon!
The falcon flew far, through forest and night,
A morning dream has awoken the maid.
  Come soon!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2011 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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This text was added to the website: 2011-05-02
Line count: 9
Word count: 54

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall
4. Im Frühling
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Im Frühling", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 4 (1830)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ihr frühlingstrunknen Blumen,
Ihr Bäume, monddurchblinket!
Ihr könnt nichts sagen und seid stumm,
Wie süß ihr schwelgt und trinket!

Ich trink und schwelge mit euch
Und sing's in heller Frühlingslust.
O, wie mir Aug und Wange glüht!
Sie hebt und sehnt sich meiner Brust!

Du sehnsuchtleuchtend Mondlicht,
Ihr friedlich hellen Sterne
Blickt zu den Blumen still herab.
Euch bleibt der Frühling ferne.

Mir blüht und glüht die Rose
Und mir die frische Frühlingspracht!
All meine Träume sind erfüllt,
Nun ist dem Herzen Ruh gebracht.

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by Johann Gustav Droysen (1808 - 1884)
4. In spring
Language: English 
You flowers, intoxicated with spring,
You trees, through which the moon gleams!
You can say nothing, and remain mute,
How sweet is your feasting and drinking!

I drink and feast with you
And sing with the bright joy of spring.
O, how my eyes and my cheeks glow!
My breast heaves and yearns.

Moonlight, glowing with longing,
You peaceful, bright stars
Twinkle down silently on the flowers.
For you, the spring remains distant.

For me the rose blooms and glows,
And, for me, the fresh splendor of spring!
All of my dreams are fulfilled,
Now my heart has achieved tranquility.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2011 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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This text was added to the website: 2011-05-02
Line count: 16
Word count: 100

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall
5. Im Herbst
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Im Herbst", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 5 (1830)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ach, wie schnell die Tage fliehen,
Wo die Sehnsucht neu erwacht,
Wo die Blumen wieder blühen;
Und der Frühling wieder lacht!

Alle Wonne soll erstehen,
In Erfüllung alles gehen.
Ach, wie schnell die Tage fliehen,
Wo die Sehnsucht neu erwacht!

Seht, die Tage gehn und kommen,
Zieh'n vorüber blütenschwer,
Sommerlust ist bald verglommen,
Und der Herbstwind rauscht daher.

Ach, das rechte Blühn und Grünen,
Es ist wieder nicht erschienen!
Ach, wie schnell die Tage fliehen,
Wo die Sehnsucht neu erwacht!

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by Karl Klingemann (1798 - 1862)
5. In autumn
Language: English 
Ah, how quickly the days fly by,
Where longing is newly awakened,
Where the flowers bloom again;
And the spring laughs once more!

All delights shall come into being,
Everything finding fulfillment.
Ah, how quickly the days fly by,
Where longing is newly awakened!

See, the days come and go,
They pass by, heavy with flowers,
Summer's joy soon fades away,
And the autumn wind rushes after.

Ah, the true and verdant blooming,
Has again failed to appear!
Ah, how quickly the days fly by,
Where longing is newly awakened!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2011 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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This text was added to the website: 2011-05-02
Line count: 16
Word count: 90

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall
6. Scheidend
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Scheidend", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 6
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie so gelinde die Flut bewegt!
Wie sie so ruhig den Nachen trägt!
Fern liegt das Leben, das Jugendland!
Fern, fern liegt der Schmerz, der dort mich band,
Sanft tragt mich, Fluten, zum fernen Land!

Droben der Sterne stiller Ort,
Unten der Strom fließt fort und fort.
Wohl warst du reich, mein Jugendland! 
Wohl, wohl war es süß, was dort mich band,
Sanft tragt mich, Fluten, zum fernen Land!

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possibly by Johann Gustav Droysen (1808 - 1884) and sometimes misattributed to Johann Heinrich Voss (1751 - 1826)
6. Parting
Language: English 
How very gently the waterway moves!
How quietly it carries the vessel!
In the distance lies life, the land of youth!
Far, far away lies the pain that held me there,
Gently carry me, floods, to that distant land!

Above, the stars silent realm,
Beneath, the river flowing on and on.
Indeed you were rich, land of my youth!
Truly, truly it was sweet, that which bound me there,
Gently carry me, floods, to that distant land!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2011 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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This text was added to the website: 2011-05-02
Line count: 10
Word count: 77

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall
7. Sehnsucht
 (Sung text)
misattributed to Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847) and by Fanny Hensel (1805 - 1847), "Sehnsucht", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [note: this is Felix Mendelssohn's opus, in which three songs were composed by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 7 [ voice and piano ], note: this was published in Felix Mendelssohn's opus
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Fern und ferner schallt der Reigen.
Wohl mir, um mich her ist Schweigen
    Auf der Flur.
Zu dem vollen Herzen nur
Will nicht Ruh' sich neigen.

Horch! die Nacht schwebt durch die Räume,
Ihr Gewand durchrauscht die Bäume
    Lispelnd leis'.
Ach! so schweifen liebeheiß
Meine Wünsch' und Träume.

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Confirmed with Memorabilien der Zeit. Denkblätter der Liebe und Freundschaft. Dritte Sammlung, München, Druck und Verlag von Georg Franz, 1850, page 149, under the heading "October", entry number 5. No poet indicated.


possibly by Johann Gustav Droysen (1808 - 1884)
7. Longing
Language: English 
The sounds of the dance fade farther and farther away. 
It is well for me that around me there is silence 
on the meadow. 
Only to my full heart 
peace does not want to come.

Listen!  Night is wafting through the spaces. 
[Night's] garments rustle through the trees, 
whispering softly. 
Ah, that is exactly how my wishes and dreams,
Burning with love, roam about.

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: 2008-06-25
Line count: 10
Word count: 64

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
8. Frühlingsglaube
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Frühlingsglaube", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 8
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die linden Lüfte sind erwacht,
Sie säuseln und weben Tag und Nacht,
Sie schaffen an allen Enden.
O frischer Duft, o neuer Klang!
Nun armes Herze, sey nicht bang!
Nun muß sich Alles, Alles wenden.

Die Welt wird schöner mit jedem Tag,
Man weiß nicht, was noch werden mag,
Das Blühen will nicht enden.
Es blüht das fernste, tiefste Thal.
Nun armes Herz, vergiß der Qual!
Nun muß sich Alles, Alles wenden.

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Note: some editions have a typo in stanza 1, line 2: word 4 is "wehen". Lachner's score also has this typo.

by Johann Ludwig Uhland (1787 - 1862)
8.
Language: English 
Balmy breezes are awakened,
They whisper and move day and night,
And everywhere creative.
O fresh scent, o new sound!
Now, poor heart, don't be afraid.
Now all, all must change.

With each day the world grows fairer,
One cannot know what is still to come,
The flowering refuses to cease.
Even the deepest, most distant valley is in flower.
Now, poor heart, forget your torment.
Now all, all must change.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by David Gordon, (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 "Frühlingsglaube" = "Spring faith"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 71

Translation © by David Gordon
9. Ferne
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Ferne", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 9, published 1830
Language: German (Deutsch) 
In weite Fernen will ich träumen,
Da, wo Du weilst!
Wo aus den schneeig hellen Räumen
Die Bäche in die Seen schäumen!
Da, wo Du weilst!

Will mit Dir durch die Berge streifen,
Da, wo Du weilst. 
Wo auf dem Eisfeld Gemsen schweifen, 
Im warmen Tale Feigen reifen!
Da, wo Du weilst! 

Und heimlich will ich weiter denken,
Wenn Du heimkehrst! 
Es mag die Zeit mich nicht betrüben,
Wir sind dieselben noch geblieben!
Wenn Du heimkehrst!

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by Johann Gustav Droysen (1808 - 1884) and sometimes misattributed to Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
9. Into the far distance
Language: English 
I wish to dream into the far [distance]1!
There where you tarry,
Where from the snowy, bright expanses
The brooks flow foamingly into the lakes!
There where you tarry.

I wish to wander through the mountains with you!
There where you tarry,
Where the mountain goats ramble on the glaciers,
Where the figs ripen in the warm valleys!
There where you tarry.

I shall secretly continue to [love]2,
When you return home!
[The passing of] time [shall]3 not sadden me,
We have remained unchanged!
When you return home!

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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View original text (without footnotes)
1 Mendelssohn: "distances"
2 Mendelssohn: "think"
3 Mendelssohn: "may"


This text was added to the website: 2006-12-05
Line count: 15
Word count: 92

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
10. Verlust
 (Sung text)
misattributed to Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847) and by Fanny Hensel (1805 - 1847), "Verlust", alternate title: "Und wüßten's die Blumen, die kleinen", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [note: this is Felix Mendelssohn's opus, in which three songs were composed by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 10, H-U 213 (1827) [ voice and piano ], note: this was published by Felix Mendelssohn in his opus 9
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 Sternelein,
Sie kämen aus ihrer Höhe,
Und sprächen Trost mir ein.

Die alle können's nicht wissen,
Nur einer kennt meinen Schmerz;
Er hat ja selbst zerrissen,
Zerrissen mir das Herz.

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

by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
10. 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
11. Entsagung
 (Sung text)
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847), "Entsagung", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [nos. 7, 10, and 12 are by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 11, published 1830
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Herr, zu Dir will ich mich retten,
Wenn die Welt mich kränkt und schlägt,
Will in Deinen Schooß mich betten,
Wund und müd' von argen Ketten,
Die meine schwache Seele trägt.

Herr, nach Deiner Gnad' und Treue
Sehnt sich mein geängstigt Herz,
Daß ich meine Schuld bereue,
Daß ich meinen Bund erneue,
Von Jammer frei und frei von Schmerz.

Gott, zu Deinem sel'gen Frieden
Kehret heim Dein treues Kind,
Dir zu dienen ohn' Ermüden,
Dich zu schauen froh beschieden,
Wo mit Dir Deine Engel sind.

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by Johann Gustav Droysen (1808 - 1884)
11. Renunciation
Language: English 
Lord, I would like to surrender myself to you.
When the world sickens and besets me,
I want to rest in your bosom,
Sore and tired from hopeless bondage,
That weighs down my soul.

Lord, for your mercy and faithfulness
My anxious heart longs,
That I repent of my sins,
That I renew my commitment,
Free from distress and free from pain.

God, to your sacred peace
Guide home your faithful child,
To serve you without weariness,
To see you, cheerfully humble,
Where, with you, your angels dwell.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2011 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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This text was added to the website: 2011-05-02
Line count: 15
Word count: 88

Translation © by Michael P Rosewall
12. Die Nonne
 (Sung text)
misattributed to Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847) and by Fanny Hensel (1805 - 1847), "Die Nonne", op. 9 (Zwölf Lieder [note: this is Felix Mendelssohn's opus, in which three songs were composed by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel]) no. 12, H-U 46 [ voice and piano ], note: this was first published in Felix Mendelssohn's opus
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 Mariabild;
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)
12. 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