Songs

Songs

Breit’ über mein Haupt (1888) Op. 19 no.2

Breit’ über mein Haupt

Adolf Friedrich von Schack

Breit’ über mein Haupt dein schwarzes Haar,

Neig’ zu mir dein Angesicht,

Da strömt in die Seele so hell und klar

Mir deiner Augen Licht.

Ich will nicht droben der Sonne Pracht,

Noch der Sterne leuchtenden Kranz,

Ich will nur deiner Locken Nacht

Und deiner Blicke Glanz.

Unbind your black hair

English Translation © Richard Stokes

Unbind your black hair right over my head,

Incline to me your face!

Then clearly and brightly into my soul

The light of your eyes will stream.

I want neither the glory of the sun above

Nor the gleaming garland of stars,

All I want are your black tresses

And the radiance of your eyes.

Translation © Richard Stokes, author of The Book of Lieder (Faber, 2005)

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Composer

Richard Strauss

Richard Georg Strauss was a German composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras. He is particularly well-known for his operas, Lieder, and tone poems.

Read more here.

Poet

Adolf Friedrich von Schack

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Previously performed at:

20 Oct 2021: 83. Gweneth Ann Rand: Four Last Songs
20 Oct 2021: 81. Gweneth Ann Rand: Four Last Songs (first performance)
23 Oct 2017: Mastercourse Day One
18 Oct 2017: Richard Strauss: Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence & Roger Vignoles

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