English translations of Sechs Lieder, opus 4

by Walter Schulthess (1894 - 1971)

1. Nach dem Fest 
 (Sung text)
by Walter Schulthess (1894 - 1971), "Nach dem Fest ", op. 4 (Sechs Lieder) no. 3, published 1919 [ voice and piano ]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Von der Tafel rinnt der Wein,
Alle Kerzen flackern trüber,
Wieder bin ich denn allein,
Wieder ist ein Fest vorüber.

Traurig lösch ich Licht um Licht
In den still gewordnen Räumen,
Nur der Wind im Garten spricht
Ängstlich mit den schwarzen Bäumen.

Ach, wenn dieser Trost nicht wär,
Müde Augen zuzumachen...!
Und ich fühle kein Begehr,
Jemals wieder aufzuwachen.

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by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962)
1. After the celebration
Language: English 
The wine runs off the table,
All the candles are flickering more dimly,
[Thus]1 I am once again alone,
Once again a celebration is over.

Sadly I extinguish light upon light
In the rooms that have grown quiet,
Only the wind in the garden speaks
Anxiously with the black trees.

Ah, if I did not have this comfort,
To close my weary eyes...!
And I feel no desire
Ever to waken again.

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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1 Baur: "Now"


This text was added to the website: 2019-03-18
Line count: 12
Word count: 73

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
2. Beim Schlafengehen 
 (Sung text)
by Walter Schulthess (1894 - 1971), "Beim Schlafengehen ", op. 4 (Sechs Lieder) no. 4, published 1919 [ voice and piano ]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nun der Tag mich müd gemacht,
Soll mein sehnliches Verlangen
Freundlich die gestirnte Nacht
Wie ein müdes Kind empfangen. 

Hände, laßt von allem Tun,
Stirn vergiß du alles Denken,
Alle meine Sinne nun
Wollen sich in Schlummer senken. 

Und die Seele unbewacht
Will in freien Flügen schweben,
Um im Zauberkreis der Nacht
Tief und tausendfach zu leben.

Text Authorship:

  • by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962), "Beim Schlafengehen", written 1911, first published 1911?

See other settings of this text.

Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada and the U.S., 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.

by Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962)
2. While going to sleep
Language: English 
Now that the day has made me so tired,
my dearest longings shall
be accepted kindly by the starry night
like a weary child.

Hands, cease your activity,
head, forget all of your thoughts;
all my senses now
will sink into slumber.

And my soul, unobserved,
will float about on untrammeled wings
in the enchanted circle of the night,
living a thousandfold more deeply.

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: 12
Word count: 64

Translation © by Emily Ezust