English translations of Sechs Lieder für vierstimmigen Männergesang, opus 33
by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856)
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1. Der träumende See
by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856), "Der träumende See", op. 33 (Sechs Lieder für vierstimmigen Männergesang) no. 1 (1840), published 1842 [ TTBB chorus ], Hamburg, Schuberth und Co.
Language: German (Deutsch)
Der See ruht tief im blauen Traum Von Wasserblumen zugedeckt; Ihr Vöglein hoch im Fichtenbaum, Daß ihr mir nicht den Schläfer weckt! Doch leise weht das Schilf und wiegt Das Haupt mit leichtem Sinn; Ein blauer Falter aber fliegt Darüber einsam hin!
by Julius Mosen (1803 - 1867)
1.
Language: English
The lake [is at rest]1 deep in a blue dream covered by water lilies; You, little bird high in the [spruce tree]2, Don't wake the sleeper! But the reeds quietly blow and balance Their tops with easy sense; But a blue moth flies Over [them], alone, towards [them].
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2016 by Laura Prichard, (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 Julius Mosen (1803 - 1867), "Der träumende See"
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View original text (without footnotes)Translation of title "Der träumende See" = "The dreaming lake"
1 H. Bach (as Molbe): “lies still"
2 Fibich: "oak tree"
This text was added to the website: 2016-02-08
Line count: 8
Word count: 51
Translation © by Laura Prichard
2. Die Minnesänger
by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856), "Die Minnesänger", op. 33 (Sechs Lieder für vierstimmigen Männergesang) no. 2 (1840), published 1842, stanzas 1-4 [ ttbb chorus a cappella ], Hamburg, Schuberth und Co.
Language: German (Deutsch)
Zu dem Wettgesange schreiten
Minnesänger jetzt herbei;
Ei, das gibt ein seltsam Streiten,
Ein gar seltsames Turnei!
Phantasie, die schäumend wilde,
Ist des Minnesängers Pferd,
Und die Kunst dient ihm zum Schilde,
Und das Wort, das ist sein Schwert.
Hübsche Damen schauen munter
Vom beteppichten Balkon,
Doch die rechte ist nicht drunter
Mit der rechten Lorbeerkron'.
Andre Leute, wenn sie springen
In die Schranken, sind gesund;
Doch wir Minnesänger bringen
Dort schon mit die Todeswund'.
...
Text Authorship:
- by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856), "Die Minnesänger", appears in Buch der Lieder, in Junge Leiden, in Romanzen, no. 11
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by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
2. The Minne-singers
Language: English
To the song-contest stride
the Minne-singers now here;
Yea, that is a strange quarrel,
a particularly strange tournament!
Fantasy, the foaming savage,
is the Minne-singers’ horse,
and the art serves him for a shield,
and the word, that is his sword.
Pretty women watch cheerfully
from the carpeted balcony,
yet the right one is not there
with the hallowed crown of laurels.
Other people, when they jump
into the fray, are healthy;
yet we Minne-singers bring there
already with the wounds of death.
[ ... ]
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2024 by Ryan Bede, (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 Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856), "Die Minnesänger", appears in Buch der Lieder, in Junge Leiden, in Romanzen, no. 11
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2024-01-26
Line count: 20
Word count: 113
Translation © by Ryan Bede
3. Die Lotosblume
by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856), "Die Lotosblume", op. 33 (Sechs Lieder für vierstimmigen Männergesang) no. 3 (1840), published 1842 [ four-part men's chorus a cappella ], Hamburg, Schuberth und Co.
Language: German (Deutsch)
Die Lotosblume ängstigt Sich vor der Sonne Pracht Und mit gesenktem Haupte Erwartet sie träumend die Nacht. Der Mond, der ist ihr Buhle Er weckt sie mit seinem Licht, Und ihm entschleiert sie freundlich Ihr frommes Blumengesicht, Sie blüht und glüht und leuchtet Und starret stumm in die Höh'; Sie duftet und weinet und zittert Vor Liebe und Liebesweh.
Text Authorship:
- by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856), no title, appears in Buch der Lieder, in Lyrisches Intermezzo, no. 10
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by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856)
3. The lotus flower
Language: English
The lotus flower is anxious In the Sun's radiance, And with hanging head Waits, dreaming, for Night. The moon, who is her lover, Awakens her with his light, And for him she smilingly unveils Her innocent flower-face. She blooms and glows and gleams And gazes silently upwards; She sends forth fragrance, and weeps and trembles, With love and love's torment.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Lawrence Snyder, (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 Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856), no title, appears in Buch der Lieder, in Lyrisches Intermezzo, no. 10
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Translation of title "Die Lotosblume" = "The lotus flower"This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 60
Translation © by Lawrence Snyder
4. Der Zecher als Doctrinär
by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856), "Der Zecher als Doctrinär", op. 33 (Sechs Lieder für vierstimmigen Männergesang) no. 4 (1840), published 1842 [ TTBB chorus ], Hamburg, Schuberth und Co.
Language: German (Deutsch)
-- Vin a tout prix --
Was quälte dir dein banges Herz?
"Liebesschmerz!"
Was machte dir dein Auge roth?
"Liebesnoth!"
Was gab dir Sorgen ohne Zahl?
"Liebesqual!"
Ei, das hast du schlimm bedacht;
Denn schon manchesmal
Hat gar grausam umgebracht
Liebesschmerz und Qual!
Was heilte dich von deiner Pein?
"Alter Wein!"
Was gab dir dann den besten Trost?
"Frischer Most!"
Was stärkte wieder deinen Muth?
"Traubenblut!"
Ei, so bringt uns schnell herbei
Dieses edle Gut!
Denn nun bleibt es doch dabei:
Wein erfrischt das Blut!
Text Authorship:
- by Julius Mosen (1803 - 1867), "Der Zecher - Als Doctrinair", appears in Gedichte, in Der Zecher, no. 4
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by Julius Mosen (1803 - 1867)
4.
Language: English
-- Vin a tout prix --
What was plaguing your [anxious]1 heart?
"The pangs of love!"
What was making your eyes red?
"The misery of love!"
What was causing you sorrows without number?
"The agony of love!"
Ah, you didn't think that over carefully;
For many a time already
The pangs and agony of love
Have brutally finished [people]2 off!
What healed you from your pain?
"Old wine!"
What gave you the best comfort?
"Fresh [grape] must!"
What strengthened your courage again?
"The blood of the grape!"
Well, then bring to us quickly
This noble treasure!
For [now it remains a fact]3:
Wine refreshes the blood!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2013 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 Julius Mosen (1803 - 1867), "Der Zecher - Als Doctrinair", appears in Gedichte, in Der Zecher, no. 4
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View original text (without footnotes)Translated titles:
"Der Zecher - Als Doctrinair" = "The drinker - As a medic"
"Der Zecher als Doctrinair" = "The drinker as a medic"
"Liebe und Wein" = "Love and wine"
2 The word "people" is explicitly added in Mendelssohn's text, but implied in the original.
3 Mendelssohn: "it simply remains a fact"
This text was added to the website: 2013-12-01
Line count: 21
Word count: 108
Translation © by Sharon Krebs
5. Rastlose Liebe
by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856), "Rastlose Liebe", op. 33 (Sechs Lieder für vierstimmigen Männergesang) no. 5 (1840), published 1842 [ four-part men's chorus a cappella ], Hamburg, Schuberth und Co.
Language: German (Deutsch)
Dem Schnee, dem Regen, Dem Wind entgegen, Im Dampf der Klüfte, Durch Nebeldüfte, Immer zu! Immer zu! Ohne Rast und Ruh! Lieber durch Leiden Möcht' ich mich schlagen, Als so viel Freuden Des Lebens ertragen. Alle das Neigen Von Herzen zu Herzen, Ach wie so eigen Schaffet das Schmerzen! Wie soll ich fliehen? Wälderwärts ziehen? Alles vergebens! Krone des Lebens, Glück ohne Ruh, Liebe, bist du!
Text Authorship:
- by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Rastlose Liebe", written 1776, first published 1789
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by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)
5. Restless love
Language: English
To the snow, to the rain To the wind opposed, In the mist of the ravines Through the scent of fog, Always on! Always on! Without rest and peace! I would rather through suffering Fight myself, Than so many joys Of life endure. All the inclining Of heart to heart, Ah, how curiously that creates pain! Where shall I flee? To the forest move? All in vain! Crown of life, Happiness without peace, Love, are you!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 1997 by Lynn Thompson, (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 Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), "Rastlose Liebe", written 1776, first published 1789
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 76
Translation © by Lynn Thompson
6. Frühlingsglocken
by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856), "Frühlingsglocken", op. 33 (Sechs Lieder für vierstimmigen Männergesang) no. 6 (1840), published 1842 [ four-part men's chorus a cappella ], Hamburg, Schuberth und Co.
Language: German (Deutsch)
Schneeglöckchen tut läuten: Kling -- ling -- ling Was hat das zu bedeuten? -- Ei, gar ein lustig Ding! Der Frühling heut' geboren ward, Ein Kind der allerschönsten Art; Zwar liegt es noch im weißen Bett, Doch spielt es schon so wundernett, Drum kommt, ihr Vögel, aus dem Süd' Und bringet neue Lieder mit! Ihr Quellen all, Erwacht im Tal! Was soll das lange Zaudern? Sollt mit dem Kinde plaudern! Maiglöckchen tut läuten! Bim -- bam -- bam! Was hat das zu bedeuten? Frühling ist Bräutigam: Macht Hochzeit mit der Erde heut' Mit großer Pracht und Festligkeit. Wohlauf denn, Nelk' und Tulipan, Und schwenkt die bunte Hochzeitfahn'! Du Ros' und Lilie, schmückt euch fein! Brautjungfern sollt ihr heute sein! Schmetterling' Sollt bunt und flink Den Hochzeitreigen führen, Die Vögel musiciren! Blauglöckchen tut läuten! Bim -- bam -- bim! Was hat das zu bedeuten? -- Ach, das ist gar zu schlimm! Heut' nacht der Frühling scheiden muß, Drum bringt man ihm den Abschiedsgruß: Glühwürmchen ziehn mit Lichtern hell, Es rauscht der Wald, es klagt der Quell, Dazwischen singt mit süßem Schall Aus jedem Busch die Nachtigall, Und wird ihr Lied So bald nicht müd', Ist auch der Frühling schon so ferne -- Sie hatten ihn alle so gerne!
Text Authorship:
- by Robert Reinick (1805 - 1852), "Frühlingsglocken", appears in Lieder, in Frühling und Liebe, appears in Lieder eines Malers mit Randzeichnungen seiner Freunde, first published 1837
See other settings of this text.
Note for stanza 4, line 10, word 3: sometimes spelled "musizieren"
by Robert Reinick (1805 - 1852)
6.
Language: English
The snowdrop bell [rings: Ding -- ding -- ding!]1 What does that mean? Oh, [such a]2 merry thing! Spring was born today, A child of the most beautiful sort; To be sure it still lies in its white bed, But it is already so wondrously playful, Come therefore, ye [birds]3, from the south And bring along new songs! All ye water-springs Waken in the valley! What is all this long tarrying? You are to prattle with the child! The lily-of-the-valley bell [rings! Bim -- bim -- bim!]1 What does that mean? Spring is a bridegroom: Today springtime marries the earth! With great [splendour and festivity]4. Come then, carnations and tulips, And flourish the colourful wedding flag! Ye roses and lilies, [adorn yourselves, You are to become bridesmaids at once!]5 [Ye butterflies]6 [Colourfully and quickly]7 you are To lead the [marriage dance]8, The birds provide the music! The bluebell [rings! Bim -- bim -- bim!]1 What does that mean? Ah, that is really too terrible! Tonight springtime must depart, Therefore, one brings it a farewell greeting: With bright lights the fireflies flit, The forest soughs, the water-spring laments, And in the midst of it all with sweet sound The nightingales sing from every bush, And [their song Does not quickly grow weary]9, Though springtime is [already far]10 away -- All of them were so fond of it!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2024 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 Robert Reinick (1805 - 1852), "Frühlingsglocken", appears in Lieder, in Frühling und Liebe, appears in Lieder eines Malers mit Randzeichnungen seiner Freunde, first published 1837
Go to the general single-text view
View original text (without footnotes)Translations of title(s):
"Frühlingsglocken" = "Springtime bells"
"Schneeglöckchen" = "Snowdrops"
"Schneeglöckchen thut läuten" = "The snowdrop bell rings"
"Schneeglöckchen thut läuten: Kling, ling, ling!" = "The snowdrop bell rings: ding, ding, ding!"
2 Blech: "a"
3 Blech: "birdlets"
4 Lachner: "pomp and splendour"
5 Blech, Schumann, Spohr, Wolf: "adorn yourselves daintily! / You are to be bridesmaids today!"
6 Schumann, Spohr, Wolf: "butterflies"
7 Blech: "So colourful and quick,"
8 Blech: "dance"
9 Blech: "the nightingale does not / So quickly grow weary of its song"
10 Blech: "far"; Schumann, Spohr, Wolf: "already so far"
This text was added to the website: 2024-07-05
Line count: 42
Word count: 235
Translation © by Sharon Krebs