Songs

Fischerweise (1826) D881

Fischerweise

Franz Schlechta

Den Fischer fechten Sorgen

Und Gram und Leid nicht an;

Er löst am frühen Morgen

Mit leichtem Sinn den Kahn.

Da lagert rings noch Friede

Auf Wald und Flur und Bach,

Er ruft mit seinem Liede

Die gold’ne Sonne wach.

Er singt zu seinem Werke

Aus voller frischer Brust,

Die Arbeit gibt ihm Stärke,

Die Stärke Lebenslust.

Bald wird ein bunt’ Gewimmel

In allen Tiefen laut

Und plätschert durch den Himmel,

Der sich im Wasser baut.

Doch wer ein Netz will stellen,

Braucht Augen klar und gut,

Muss heiter gleich den Wellen

Und frei sein wie die Flut.

Dort angelt auf der Brücke

Die Hirtin, Schlauer Wicht,

Gib auf nur deiner Tücke,

Den Fisch betrügst du nicht!

Fisherman's Ditty

English Translation © Richard Wigmore

The fisherman is not plagued

by cares, grief or sorrow.

In the early morning he casts off

his boat with a light heart.

Round about, peace still lies

over forest, meadow and stream,

with his song the fisherman

bids the golden sun awake.

He sings at his work

from a full, vigorous heart.

His work gives him strength,

his strength exhilarates him.

Soon a bright multitude

will resound in the depths,

and splash

through the watery heavens.

But whoever wishes to set a net

needs good, dear eyes,

must be as cheerful as the waves,

and as free as the tide.

There, on the bridge, the shepherdess

is fishing. Cunning wench,

leave off your tricks!

You won’t deceive this fish!

If you would like to use our texts and translations, please click here for more information.

Composer

Franz Schubert

Franz Peter Schubert was an late Classical and early Romantic composer. He produced a vast oeuvre during his short life, composing more the 600 vocal works (largely Lieder), and well as several symphonies, operas, and a large body of piano music. He was uncommonly gifted from a young age, but appreciation of his music was limited during his lifetime. His work became more popular in the decades after his death, and was praised by 19th century composers, including Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms, and Liszt.

Information from Wikipedia. Read more here.

See Full Entry