LiederNet logo

CONTENTS

×
  • Home | Introduction
  • Composers (20,114)
  • Text Authors (19,505)
  • Go to a Random Text
  • What’s New
  • A Small Tour
  • FAQ & Links
  • Donors
  • DONATE

UTILITIES

  • Search Everything
  • Search by Surname
  • Search by Title or First Line
  • Search by Year
  • Search by Collection

CREDITS

  • Emily Ezust
  • Contributors (1,114)
  • Contact Information
  • Bibliography

  • Copyright Statement
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us on Facebook

×

Attention! Some of this material is not in the public domain.

It is illegal to copy and distribute our copyright-protected material without permission. It is also illegal to reprint copyright texts or translations without the name of the author or translator.

To inquire about permissions and rates, contact Emily Ezust at licenses@email.lieder.example.net

If you wish to reprint translations, please make sure you include the names of the translators in your email. They are below each translation.

Note: You must use the copyright symbol © when you reprint copyright-protected material.

Serious Songs

Song Cycle by Hanns Eisler (1898 - 1962)

View original-language texts alone: Ernste Gesänge

1. Vorspiel und Spruch
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Viele versuchten umsonst
das Freudigste freudig zu sagen,
Hier spricht endlich es mir,
hier in der Trauer sich aus.

Text Authorship:

  • by Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843), "Sophokles", appears in Gedichte 1784-1800

See other settings of this text.

by Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843)
1. Prelude and motto
Language: English 
Many have tried, but in vain,
  With joy to express the most joyful;
    Here at last, in grave sadness,
      Wholly I find it expressed.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2005 by Dr. Anthony Krupp, (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 Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843), "Sophokles", appears in Gedichte 1784-1800
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2005-02-20
Line count: 4
Word count: 24

Translation © by Dr. Anthony Krupp
2. Asyl
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
In seiner Fülle ruhet der Herbsttag nun,
Geläutert ist die Traub und der Hain ist rot
Vom Obst, wenn schon der holden Blüten
Manche der Erde zum Danke fielen.

Und rings im Felde, wo ich den Pfad hinaus,
Den stillen, wandle, ist den Zufriedenen
Ihr Gut gereift und viel der frohen
Mühe gewähret der Reichtum ihnen.

 ... 

Und leuchtest du, o Goldnes, auch mir, und wehst
Auch du mir wieder, Lüftchen, als segnetest
Du eine Freude mir, wie einst, und
Irrst, wie um Glückliche, mir am Busen?

 ... 

Beglückt, wer, ruhig liebend ein frommes Weib,
 ... 

 ... 

Doch heute laß mich stille den trauten Pfad
Zum Haine gehn, dem golden die Wipfel schmückt
Sein sterbend Laub, und kränzt auch mir die
Stirne, ihr holden Erinnerungen!

Und daß mir auch, zu retten mein sterblich Herz,
Wie andern eine bleibende Stätte sei,
 ... 

Sei du, Gesang, mein freundlich Asyl!  ... 
 ... 

 ... 

Text Authorship:

  • by Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843), "Mein Eigentum", appears in Gedichte 1784-1800

Go to the general single-text view

by Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843)
2. Refuge
Language: English 
At rest in fullness, calm lies the autumn day,
  The mellow grape is clear and the orchard red
    With fruit, though many treasured blossoms
      Long ago fell to the Earth in tribute.

And all around where now by the quiet path
  I cross the field, for satisfied men their crops
    Have ripened, and their riches grant them
      Hour after hour of rewarding labor.

[ ... ]

And, golden light, for me will you also shine,
  And, breeze, once more for me waft, as though
    To bless a joy, and still around me wander,
  err.

[ ... ]

      Blessed he with a worthy homeland and hearth.
[ ... ]

[ ... ]

 Today, though, let me walk the familiar path
  In silence to the copse that is crowned with gold
    Of dying leaves; and my brow also
      Garland with gold now, you recollections.

And that I may have, 
 as others, a sure retreat,
[ ... ]

  You be my gracious refuge now, song.
[ ... ]

[ ... ]

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2005 by Dr. Anthony Krupp, (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 Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843), "Mein Eigentum", appears in Gedichte 1784-1800
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Translation of title "Asyl" = "Refuge"


This text was added to the website: 2005-02-20
Line count: 52
Word count: 147

Translation © by Dr. Anthony Krupp
3. Traurigkeit
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wer traurig sein will, wird vielleicht mich lesen,
Und er wird denken zwischen den Zeilen:
"Ja, traurig ist auch dieser Mensch gewesen.
Aber kann seine Traurigkeit die meine heilen?"
 
Ich will dich nicht über die Gründe fragen
Der Traurigkeit, du Mensch der besseren Zeiten.
Die meine wird dir die Geschichte sagen,
Die Jahresdaten meiner Traurigkeiten.

Text Authorship:

  • by Berthold Viertel (1885 - 1953), "Wer traurig sein will", appears in Der Lebenslauf. Gedichte, in Stimmen der Zeit

Go to the general single-text view

by Berthold Viertel (1885 - 1953)
3. Sadness
Language: English 
Whoever wishes to be sad might read me
And he will think between the lines:
Yes, this person has also been sad,
But can my sadness heal his?

You should ask about the reasons for sadness,
You of better times.
History will tell you of mine,
The dates of my sadness.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2005 by Dr. Anthony Krupp, (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 Berthold Viertel (1885 - 1953), "Wer traurig sein will", appears in Der Lebenslauf. Gedichte, in Stimmen der Zeit
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2005-02-20
Line count: 8
Word count: 51

Translation © by Dr. Anthony Krupp
4. Verzweiflung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 





Nichts gibt's, was würdig wäre 
deiner Bemühungen, und keinen Seufzer verdient 
die Erde. Schmerz und Langeweile
sind unser Los, und Schmutz die Welt, nichts andres. 
Beruhige dich.




Text Authorship:

  • by Robert Hamerling (1830 - 1889), first published 1866

Based on:

  • a text in Italian (Italiano) by Giacomo Leopardi (1798 - 1837), "A se stesso", Canti, no. XXVIII.
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

by Robert Hamerling (1830 - 1889)
4. Despair
Language: English 
There is nothing worthy of your efforts
And the earth doesn't deserve a sigh.
Pain and boredom are our lot
And the world is dirt, nothing more.
Be calm.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2005 by Dr. Anthony Krupp, (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 Hamerling (1830 - 1889), first published 1866
    • Go to the text page.

Based on:

  • a text in Italian (Italiano) by Giacomo Leopardi (1798 - 1837), "A se stesso", Canti, no. XXVIII.
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2005-02-20
Line count: 5
Word count: 29

Translation © by Dr. Anthony Krupp
5. Hoffnung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
O Hoffnung! holde, gütiggeschäftige!
  Die du das Haus der Trauernden nicht verschmähst,
    Und gerne dienend zwischen
      Sterblichen waltest.

Wo bist du? wenig lebt' ich; doch atmet kalt
  Mein Abend schon. Und stille, den Schatten gleich,
    Bin ich schon hier; und schon gesanglos
      Schlummert das schaudernde Herz.

 ... 

Text Authorship:

  • by Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843), "An die Hoffnung", appears in Gedichte 1800-1804, in Nachtgesänge

See other settings of this text.

by Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843)
5. Hope
Language: English 
O hope! lovely, benevolently active one!
  You, who does not eschew the house of those who mourn,
    And gladly [serving, noble one!]1 have your workings
      Between [mortals and the powers of heaven,]2 

Where are you? I have lived only a little while; but already
  My evening breathes coldly. And quietly, like the shadows,
    I am already here; and, already songless,
      My shuddering heart [slumbers in my breast]3.

[ ... ]

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 Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843), "An die Hoffnung", appears in Gedichte 1800-1804, in Nachtgesänge
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

View original text (without footnotes)

Translations of title(s):
"An die Hoffnung" = "To hope"
"Hoffnung" = "Hope"

1 Eisler: "serving"
2 Eisler: "mortals."
3 Eisler: "slumbers"


This text was added to the website: 2024-05-08
Line count: 20
Word count: 164

Translation © by Sharon Krebs
6. [XX]. Parteitag
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich halte dich in meinem Arm umfangen,
Wie ein Saatkorn ist die Hoffnung aufgegangen.
Wird sich nun der Traum erfüllen,
derer die ihr Leben gaben für das kaum erträumte Glück.
Leben ohne Angst zu haben, leben ohne Angst zu haben.

Text Authorship:

  • by Helmut Richter

Go to the general single-text view

by Helmut Richter
6. Twentieth Party Congress
Language: English 
I hold you in my arm.
Like a seed, hope has sprouted.
Will the dream now be fulfilled
Of those who gave their lives
For the barely dreamed-of happiness:
To live without anxiety.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2005 by Dr. Anthony Krupp, (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 Helmut Richter
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2005-02-20
Line count: 6
Word count: 33

Translation © by Dr. Anthony Krupp
7. Komm ins Offene Freund
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Komm! ins Offene, Freund! zwar glänzt ein Weniges heute
Nur herunter und eng schließet der Himmel uns ein.
 ... 
Trüb ists heut, es schlummern die Gäng' und die Gassen und fast will
Mir es scheinen, es sei, als in der bleiernen Zeit.
 ... 

Denn nicht Mächtiges ists, zum Leben aber gehört es,
Was wir wollen, und scheint schicklich und freudig zugleich.
Aber kommen doch auch der segenbringenden Schwalben
Immer einige noch, ehe der Sommer, ins Land.
 ... 
Möge der Zimmermann vom Gipfel des Daches den Spruch tun,
Wir, so gut es gelang, haben das Unsre getan.

 ... 

Text Authorship:

  • by Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843), "Der Gang aufs Land", appears in Gedichte 1800-1804, in Elegien

Go to the general single-text view

by Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843)
7. Come into the clearing, friend
Language: English 
Come into the clearing, friend, though little shines
 here below today, and tightly the heavens enclose us.

It is dim today, the alleys are slumbering.
  It seems to be a leaden time.

[ ... ]

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2005 by Dr. Anthony Krupp, (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 Friedrich Hölderlin (1770 - 1843), "Der Gang aufs Land", appears in Gedichte 1800-1804, in Elegien
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2005-02-20
Line count: 9
Word count: 73

Translation © by Dr. Anthony Krupp
8. Epilog
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nahe schon ist der Herbst
 . . . . . . . . . .

— The rest of this text is not
currently in the database but will be
added as soon as we obtain it. —

Text Authorship:

  • by Stephan Hermlin (1915 - 1997), copyright ©

Go to the general single-text view

This text may be copyright, so we will not display it until we obtain permission to do so or discover it is public-domain.
© by Stephan Hermlin (1915 - 1997)
8. Epilogue
Language: English 
Fall is near. Near in the fall of fruit is
 [ ... ]

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2005 by Dr. Anthony Krupp

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Stephan Hermlin (1915 - 1997), copyright © [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

This text may be copyright, so we will not display it until we obtain permission to do so or discover it is public-domain.

This text was added to the website: 2005-02-20
Line count: 15
Word count: 121

Translation © by Dr. Anthony Krupp
Gentle Reminder

This website began in 1995 as a personal project by Emily Ezust, who has been working on it full-time without a salary since 2008. Our research has never had any government or institutional funding, so if you found the information here useful, please consider making a donation. Your help is greatly appreciated!
–Emily Ezust, Founder

Donate

We use cookies for internal analytics and to earn much-needed advertising revenue. (Did you know you can help support us by turning off ad-blockers?) To learn more, see our Privacy Policy. To learn how to opt out of cookies, please visit this site.

I acknowledge the use of cookies

Contact
Copyright
Privacy

Copyright © 2025 The LiederNet Archive

Site redesign by Shawn Thuris