English translations of Zehn Lieder nach Gedichten von Hermann Hesse, opus 44
by Othmar Schoeck (1886 - 1957)
Tief mit blauer Nachtgewalt, Die mein Herz erhellt, Bricht aus jähem Wolkenspalt Mond und Sternenwelt. Seele flammt aus ihrer Gruft Lodernd aufgeschürt, Da im bleichen Sternenduft Nacht die Harfe rührt. Sorge flieht und Not wird klein, Seit der Ruf geschah. Mag ich morgen nicht mehr sein, Heute bin ich da!
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Nachtgefühl", written 1914
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Deeply with the blue authority of night That lights up my heart, From a sudden split in the clouds Breaks forth the moon and the world of stars. The soul flames forth from its sepulchre Blazingly stirred up, Since in the pale scent of stars Night strums its harp. Anxiety flees and misery becomes small Since the cry rang out. Though I may no longer exist tomorrow, Today I am here!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2019 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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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Nachtgefühl", written 1914
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Translations of title(s):
"Nachtgefühl" = "Nighttime feeling"
"Tief mit blauer Nachtgewalt" = "Deeply, with the blue authority of night"
This text was added to the website: 2019-04-12
Line count: 12
Word count: 71
Gottes Atem hin und wider, Himmel oben, Himmel unten, Licht singt tausendfache Lieder, Gott wird Welt im farbig Bunten. Weiß zu Schwarz und Warm zum Kühlen Fühlt sich immer neu gezogen, Ewig aus chaotischem Wühlen Klärt sich neu der Regenbogen. So durch unsre Seele wandelt Tausendfalt in Qual und Wonne Gottes Licht, erschafft und handelt, Und wir preisen Ihn als Sonne.
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Magie der Farben", written 1918, appears in Gedichte des Malers, no. 1
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 10 Die Gedichte, bearbeitet von Peter Huber, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2002, pages 264-265.
God’s breath hither and thither, Heaven above, heaven below, Light sings songs a thousandfold, God becomes world in vivid colour. White to black and warm to cool Ever anew feels itself drawn, Eternally from out of chaotic scrabbling The rainbow is newly clarified. A thousand times in agony and joy Thus God’s light wanders Through our soul, creates and acts, And we praise Him as sun.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2018 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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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Magie der Farben", written 1918, appears in Gedichte des Malers, no. 1
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This text was added to the website: 2018-06-19
Line count: 12
Word count: 66
Möchten viele Seelen dies verstehen, Möchten viele Liebende es lernen: So im eigenen Dufte sich berauschen, So verliebt dem Mörder Wind zu lauschen, So in rosiges Blätterspiel verwehen, Lächelnd sich vom Liebesmahl entfernen, So den Abschied als ein Fest begehen, So gelöst dem Leiblichen entsinken Und wie einen Kuß den Tod zu trinken.
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Verwelkende Rosen", written 1927
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
May many souls understand this, May many lovers learn it: Thus to intoxicate oneself in one’s own scent, Thus in love to listen to the murderer wind, Thus to be dispersed in the rosy play of leaves, To smilingly remove oneself from the feast of love, Thus to celebrate leave-taking, Thus released to slip from the mortal And to drink death like a kiss.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2019 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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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Verwelkende Rosen", written 1927
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Translations of title(s):
"Verwelkende Rosen" = "Wilting roses"
"Möchten viele Seelen dies verstehen" = "May many souls understand this"
"Welkende Rosen" = "Wilting roses"
This text was added to the website: 2019-02-24
Line count: 9
Word count: 64
Abends gehn die Liebespaare Langsam durch das Feld, Frauen lösen ihre Haare, Händler zählen Geld, Bürger lesen bang das Neuste In dem Abendblatt, Kinder ballen kleine Fäuste, Schlafen tief und satt. Jeder tut das einzig Wahre, Folgt erhabner Pflicht, Säugling, Bürger, Liebespaare -- Und ich selber nicht? Doch! Auch meiner Abendtaten, Deren Sklav' ich bin, Kann der Weltgeist nicht entraten, Sie auch haben Sinn. Und so geh ich auf und nieder, Tanze innerlich, Summe dumme Gassenlieder, Lobe Gott und mich, Trinke Wein und phantasiere, Daß ich Pascha wär, Fühle Sorgen an der Niere, Lächle, trinke mehr, Sage ja zu meinem Herzen (Morgens geht es nicht), Spinne aus vergangenen Schmerzen Spielend ein Gedicht, Sehe Mond und Sterne kreisen, Ahne ihren Sinn, Fühle mich mit ihnen reisen Einerlei wohin.
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Abends", written 1918
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 10 Die Gedichte, bearbeitet von Peter Huber, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2002, pages 248-249.
In the evening, pairs of lovers Walk slowly through the fields, Women loosen their hair, Merchants count money, Citizens anxiously read the latest In the evening paper, Children close their little fists, Sleep deeply and fully. Everyone does the only true thing, Follows lofty duty, Infants citizens lovers -- And I myself do not? On the contrary! The world spirit cannot Do without my evening activities, Of which I am the slave; They too have meaning. And thus I walk up and down, Dance inside, Hum silly street songs, Praise God and myself, Drink wine and imagine That I am a pasha, I feel anxieties worrying my reins, I smile, drink more, Say yes to my heart (In the morning it is impossible), From bygone pains I playfully Spin a poem, I see the moon and stars orbiting, I sense their purpose, I feel myself travelling with them, No matter whither.
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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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Abends", written 1918
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This text was added to the website: 2016-10-24
Line count: 32
Word count: 150
Es hält der blaue Tag Für eine Stunde auf der Höhe Rast. Sein Licht hält jedes Ding umfaßt, Wie man's in Träumen sehen mag: Daß schattenlos die Welt, In Blau und Gold gewiegt, In lauter Duft und reifem Frieden liegt. -- Wenn auf dies Bild ein Schatten fällt! -- Kaum hast du es gedacht, So ist die goldene1 Stunde Aus ihrem leichten Traum1 erwacht, Und bleicher wird, indes sie stiller lacht, Und kühler wird die Sonne in der Runde.
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Mittag im September", written c1905
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
View original text (without footnotes)Note: According to Peter Spycher, Eine Wanderung durch Hermann Hesse’s Lyrik. Dokumentation und Interpretation, this poem was inaccurately rendered by Karlheinz Deschner in Kitsch, Konvention und Kunst : eine literarische Streitschrift . In addition to the omission of some punctuation marks, Deschner’s version contains two errors, which are footnoted below.
Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 10 Die Gedichte, bearbeitet von Peter Huber, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2002, page 162.
1 Inaccurately given as "goldne" by Deschner2 Inaccurately given as "Zaubertraum" by Deschner
The blue day for an hour Dwells upon its height. Its light holds every thing embraced, As one might see it in dreams: That the world, shadowless, Is cradled in blue and gold, Lies in pure scent and ripened peace. -- If a shadow should fall upon this image! -- You have barely thought it, The golden hour is already Wakened from its [light]1 dream, And while it laughs more quietly, more pale And more cool the sun grows round about.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2018 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 Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Mittag im September", written c1905
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View original text (without footnotes)Translations of title(s):
"Es hält der blaue Tag" = "The blue day pauses"
"Mittag im September" = "Noon in September"
This text was added to the website: 2018-05-30
Line count: 13
Word count: 80
Flügelt ein kleiner blauer Falter vom Wind geweht, Ein perlmutterner Schauer, Glitzert, flimmert, vergeht. So mit Augenblicksblinken, So im Vorüberwehn Sah ich das Glück mir winken, Glitzern, flimmern, verwehn.
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Blauer Schmetterling", written 1927
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
A little blue butterfly is Sailing, blown by the wind, A mother-of-pearl shiver, Sparkles, shimmers, vanishes. Thus with momentary gleaming, Thus in wafting past, I saw happiness beckoning me, Sparkling, shimmering, [vanishing]1.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2017 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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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Blauer Schmetterling", written 1927
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View original text (without footnotes)Translations of title(s):
"Blaue Falter" = "Blue butterfly"
"Schmetterling" = "Butterfly"
"Blauer Schmetterling" = "Blue butterfly"
This text was added to the website: 2017-02-28
Line count: 8
Word count: 34
Klavier und Geige, die ich wahrlich schätze, Ich konnte mich mit ihnen kaum befassen; Mir hat bis jetzt des Lebens rasche Hetze Nur zu der Kunst des Pfeifens Zeit gelassen. Zwar darf ich mich noch keinen Meister nennen, Lang ist die Kunst und kurz ist unser Leben. Doch alle, die des Pfeifens Kunst nicht kennen, Bedaure ich. Mir hat sie viel gegeben. Drum hab ich längst mir innigst vorgenommen, In dieser Kunst von Grad zu Grad zu reifen, Und hoffe endlich noch dahin zu kommen, Auf mich, auf euch, auf alle Welt zu pfeifen.
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Pfeifen", written 1927, appears in Verse im Krankenbett, no. 2
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
[Piano and violin, which I truly value, I]1 could hardly occupy myself with them; Up to now, the rapid hustle of life has only Left me time for the art of whistling. To be sure, I may not yet call myself a master, Art is long, and our life is short. But I am sorry for all who do not yet know The art of whistling. It has given me much. [Therefore]2 I have long resolved To mature in this art from degree to degree, And hope finally yet to get to the point of Whistling at myself, at you, and at the whole world.3
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2018 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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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Pfeifen", written 1927, appears in Verse im Krankenbett, no. 2
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View original text (without footnotes)1 Gromann: "I well know how to value piano and violin, / But I"
2 Gromann: "To be sure"
3 The above is a literal translation. Hesse is, however, using an idiom here. "Auf jemanden zu pfeifen" means not to give a d*** about them.
This text was added to the website: 2018-08-15
Line count: 12
Word count: 108
Die Bäume tropfen vom Gewitterguß, Im nassen Laub glänzt Mondlicht kühlvertraut, Vom Tal herauf der unsichtbare Fluß Tönt dunkel her mit ruhelosem Laut. Jetzt im Gehöfte schlagen Hunde an -- O Sommernacht und halbverhangene Sterne, Wie reißt es mir auf eurer bleichen Bahn Das Herz hinaus in Reiserausch und Ferne!
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Sommernacht", subtitle: "(1918)", written 1918
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
The trees drip from the downpour of the storm, In the wet [foliage]1 the moonlight gleams coolly familiar, Up from the valley the invisible river Sounds darkly hither with a restless sound. Now in the grange dogs begin to bark – Oh summer night and half-veiled stars, How my heart is wrenched upon your pale pathway In the intoxication of travel and distance!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2018 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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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Sommernacht", subtitle: "(1918)", written 1918
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View original text (without footnotes)1 Escher: "countryside"
This text was added to the website: 2018-01-10
Line count: 8
Word count: 64
Daß du bei mir magst weilen, Wo doch mein Leben dunkel ist Und draußen Sterne eilen Und alles voll Gefunkel ist, Daß du in dem Getriebe Des Lebens eine Mitte weißt, Macht dich und deine Liebe Für mich zum guten Geist. In meinem Dunkel ahnst du Den so verborgnen Stern. Mit deiner Liebe mahnst du Mich an des Lebens süßen Kern.
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Für Ninon", written 1927
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 10 Die Gedichte, bearbeitet von Peter Huber, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2002, pages 311-312.
That you like to remain with me When my life is, after all, dark And outside, the stars hasten And everything is full of a sparkling, That in the bustle of life You know of a center, Makes you and your love A benign spirit for me. In my darkness you discern The star that is so concealed. With your love you remind me Of the sweet core of life.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2018 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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Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Für Ninon", written 1927
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This text was added to the website: 2018-01-16
Line count: 12
Word count: 70
Vom Baum des Lebens fällt Mir Blatt um Blatt, O taumelbunte Welt, Wie machst du satt, Wie machst du satt und müd, Wie machst du trunken! Was heut noch glüht, Ist bald versunken. Bald klirrt der Wind Über mein braunes Grab, Über das kleine Kind Beugt sich die Mutter herab. Ihre Augen will ich wiedersehn, Ihr Blick ist mein Stern, Alles andre mag gehn und verwehn, Alles stirbt, alles stirbt gern. Nur die ewige Mutter bleibt, Von der wir kamen, Ihr spielender Finger schreibt In die flüchtige Luft unsre Namen.
Text Authorship:
- by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Vergänglichkeit", written 1919, appears in Klingsors letzter Sommer, first published 1919?
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Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 8 Die Erzählungen. 1911-1954, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2001, page 321 (no title in this publication).
Confirmed with Hermann Hesse, Sämtliche Werke, herausgegeben von Volker Michels, Band 10 Die Gedichte, bearbeitet von Peter Huber, Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp Verlag, 2002, page 256.
From the tree of my life Leaf upon leaf falls, Oh world, whirling in colour, How you make one satiated, How you make one satiated and weary, How you make one drunk! What still glows today Is soon extinguished. Soon the wind shall rattle Upon my brown grave, Over the little child The mother inclines herself. I want to see her eyes again, Her gaze is my lodestar, Everything else may depart and disperse, Everything dies, everything dies gladly. Only the eternal mother remains, From whom we came, Her playing finger writes Our names in the fleeting breeze.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2018 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 Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Vergänglichkeit", written 1919, appears in Klingsors letzter Sommer, first published 1919?
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2018-03-30
Line count: 20
Word count: 98