Songs
Der Abend
(1814)
D108
Der Abend
Purpur malt die Tannenhügel Nach der Sonne Scheideblick, Lieblich strahlt des Baches Spiegel Hespers Fackelglanz zurück.Wie in Totenhallen düster Wird’s im Pappelweidenhain, Unter leisem Blattgeflüster Schlummern alle Vögel ein.Nur dein Abendlied, o Grille!Tönt noch aus betautem Grün, Durch der Dämmrung Zauberhülle Süsse Trauermelodien.Tönst du einst im Abendhauche, Grillchen, auf mein frühes Grab,Aus der Freundschaft Rosenstrauchs, Deinen Klaggesang herab:Wird noch stets mein Geist dir lauschen, Horchend wie er jetzt dir lauscht,Durch des Hügels Blumen rauschen, Wie dies Sommerlüftchen rauscht!
The Evening
The pine-covered hills are painted with purple after the sun’s parting glance;the brook’s mirror reflectsthe lovely gleaming torch of Hesperus.In the poplar groveit grows dark, as in the vaults of death. Beneath softly whispering leavesall the birds fall asleep.Only your evening song, O cricket, echoes from the dewy grass,wafting sweet, mournful melodies through the enchanted cloak of dusk.Cricket, if one dayyou sound your lament in the evening breeze over my early grave,from the rosebush planted by friends,My spirit will always listen to youas it listens to you now,and murmur through the flowers on the hillside as this summer breeze murmurs.
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Composer
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.
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Poet
Friedrich von Matthisson was a German poet, an early member of the German Romantic movement. His best known poem is probably Adelaide, which was set to music by Beethoven.
He was born at Hohendodeleben near Magdeburg, the son of the village pastor, on the 23rd of January 1761. After studying theology and philology at the university of Halle, he was appointed in 1781 master at the classical school Philanthropinum in Dessau. This once famous seminary was, however, then rapidly decaying in public favor, and in 1784 Matthisson was glad to accept a travelling tutorship. He lived for two years with the Swiss author Bonstetten at Nyon on Lake Geneva.
In 1794 he was appointed reader and traveling companion to Princess Louisa of Anhalt-Dessau (wife of Leopold III, Duke of Anhalt-Dessau). They visited Switzerland, Tyrol, and Italy. For a time, they were joined in their travels by Danish author and salonist Friederike Brun. After Princess Louisa's death in 1811, he entered the service of the king of Württemberg, was ennobled, created counselor of legation, appointed intendant of the court theatre and chief librarian of the royal library at Stuttgart. He resided for a time in Italy. In 1828 he retired and settled at Wörlitz near Dessau, where he died on the 12th of March 1831.
Taken from Wikipedia. To view the full article, please click here.
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Der Abend
The Evening
If you would like to use our texts and translations, please click here for more information.
Composer
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
Poet
Friedrich von Matthisson was a German poet, an early member of the German Romantic movement. His best known poem is probably Adelaide, which was set to music by Beethoven.
He was born at Hohendodeleben near Magdeburg, the son of the village pastor, on the 23rd of January 1761. After studying theology and philology at the university of Halle, he was appointed in 1781 master at the classical school Philanthropinum in Dessau. This once famous seminary was, however, then rapidly decaying in public favor, and in 1784 Matthisson was glad to accept a travelling tutorship. He lived for two years with the Swiss author Bonstetten at Nyon on Lake Geneva.
In 1794 he was appointed reader and traveling companion to Princess Louisa of Anhalt-Dessau (wife of Leopold III, Duke of Anhalt-Dessau). They visited Switzerland, Tyrol, and Italy. For a time, they were joined in their travels by Danish author and salonist Friederike Brun. After Princess Louisa's death in 1811, he entered the service of the king of Württemberg, was ennobled, created counselor of legation, appointed intendant of the court theatre and chief librarian of the royal library at Stuttgart. He resided for a time in Italy. In 1828 he retired and settled at Wörlitz near Dessau, where he died on the 12th of March 1831.
Taken from Wikipedia. To view the full article, please click here.
See Full Entry
Sorry, no further description available.
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