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Der Traumgott bracht mich in ein Riesenschloß, Wo schwüler Zauberduft und Lichterschimmer, Und bunte Menschenwoge sich ergoß Durch labyrinthisch vielverschlungne Zimmer. Die Ausgangspforte sucht der bleiche Troß, Mit Händeringen und mit Angstgewimmer. Jungfraun und Ritter ragen aus der Menge, Ich selbst bin fortgezogen im Gedränge. Doch plötzlich steh ich ganz allein, und seh, Und staun, wie schnell die Menge konnt verschwinden, Und wandre fort allein, und eil, und geh Durch die Gemächer, die sich seltsam winden. Mein Fuß wird Blei, im Herzen Angst und Weh, Verzweifl' ich fast, den Ausgang je zu finden. Da komm ich endlich an das letzte Tor; Ich will hinaus -- o Gott, wer steht davor! Es war die Liebste, die am Tore stand, Schmerz um die Lippen, Sorge auf der Stirne. Ich soll zurückgehn, winkt sie mit der Hand; Ich weiß nicht, ob sie warne oder zürne. Doch aus den Augen bricht ein süßer Brand, Der mir durchzuckt das Herz und das Gehirne. Wie sie mich ansah, streng und wunderlich, Und doch so liebevoll, erwachte ich.
About the headline (FAQ)
Confirmed with Heinrich Heine, Buch der Lieder, Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg, 1827, page 164.
Authorship:
- by Heinrich Heine (1797 - 1856), no title, appears in Buch der Lieder, in Lyrisches Intermezzo, no. 60 [author's text checked 2 times against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Alfred Heller (b. 1931), "Der Traumgott", 1956?, note: also set in English ("The dream god") [sung text not yet checked]
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Iain Sneddon) , "The Dream God", copyright © 2023, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Charles Beltjens) , no title, appears in Intermezzo lyrique, no. 60, first published 1827
- FRE French (Français) (Pierre Mathé) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Pierre Mathé [Guest Editor]
This text was added to the website: 2008-04-03
Line count: 24
Word count: 170
The Dream God brought me to a giant’s castle Where a sultry, magic fragrance wafted and lights shimmered, And waves of colourfully dressed people poured out Through labyrinthine winding rooms. The pale entourage seeks the exit portal With hand wringing and fearful whimpers. Maidens and knights rose from the crowd, I was swept away with the throng. But suddenly I'm standing all alone, and see And marvel at how quickly the crowd could vanish And wander away alone, and hurry, and go Through the chambers that twist so strangely. My feet become leaden, my heart full of fear and woe, I almost despair of ever finding the exit. Then I finally come to the last gate; I want to escape - oh God, who is standing in front of it! It was my beloved who stands at the gate, Pain on her lips, worry on her forehead. I'm supposed to go back, she waves her hand; I don't know if she's warning or angry. But from her eyes flashes a sweet fire That spreads through my heart and brain. The way she looked at me, stern and breath-taking, And yet so loving. I woke up.
Authorship:
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2023 by Iain Sneddon, (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. 60
This text was added to the website: 2023-01-02
Line count: 24
Word count: 195