As a counterpoint to the cynicism of my last post, I have a confession to make: I've been going through a Schubert Lieder phase addiction that might be light-heartedly romantic if it weren't so serious. It started with a minor crush on his 24-part Winterreise; I now have five separate iTunes playlists overflowing with Franz Schubert's Lieder, categorized according to stylistic or thematic differences. The literary inspiration, timeless themes and uncomplicated instrumentation of German Lieder—poems set to music for voice and, typically, piano accompaniment—form the basis of a genre that, at present, has me transfixed.
My favorite at the moment is Du bist die Ruh*, originally a stirring poem by Friedrich Rückert that Schubert's music elevates from passionate sensuality to reverent, almost religious worshipfulness.
*The title is a bit tricky to translate because of the nuanced meaning of Ruhe (rest, quiet, peace). Common English translations of the title include You Are Peace and You Are My Repose.
I was torn over which artist's version I should post. Click here for a stunning soprano rendition by Jo Sumi.
I haven't been able to find a satisfactory translation of the text, but here's one that captures much of the spirit of the poem, I think, while managing to maintain the original rhyme scheme. I'm also suggesting below a cruder but more literal line by line translation (which may be better for non-German speakers to follow while listening to the Lied).
My favorite at the moment is Du bist die Ruh*, originally a stirring poem by Friedrich Rückert that Schubert's music elevates from passionate sensuality to reverent, almost religious worshipfulness.
*The title is a bit tricky to translate because of the nuanced meaning of Ruhe (rest, quiet, peace). Common English translations of the title include You Are Peace and You Are My Repose.
I was torn over which artist's version I should post. Click here for a stunning soprano rendition by Jo Sumi.
I haven't been able to find a satisfactory translation of the text, but here's one that captures much of the spirit of the poem, I think, while managing to maintain the original rhyme scheme. I'm also suggesting below a cruder but more literal line by line translation (which may be better for non-German speakers to follow while listening to the Lied).
Du bist die Ruh',You are repose,Der Friede mild,Gentle peace,Die Sehnsucht duYearning you (are)
Und was sie stillt.And what stills it.
Ich weihe dirI dedicate to youVoll Lust und SchmerzFull of pleasure and painZur Wohnung hierAs a dwelling hereMein Aug und Herz.My eye and heart.Kehr ein bei mir,Come enter here (to me),Und schließe duAnd closeStill hinter dirQuietly behind youDie Pforten zu.The gates.Treib andern SchmerzDrive other painAus dieser Brust!Out of this breast!Voll sei dies HerzFull is this heartVon deiner Lust.Of your pleasure.Dies AugenzeltThis canopy of my eyesVon deinem GlanzBy your radianceAllein erhellt,Alone is illuminated,O füll es ganz!Oh fill it fully!
