Songs

Trinklied (1813) D75

Trinklied

Friedrich Schäffer

Freunde, sammelt euch im Kreise,

Freut euch nach der Väter Weise,

Stimmt in lautem Jubel ein.

Freundschaft reicht den Wonnebecher

Zum Genuss dem frohen Zecher,

Perlend blinkt der gold’ne Wein.

Schliesst in dieser Feierstunde

Hand in Hand zum trauten Bunde,

Freunde, stimmet fröhlich ein,

Lasst uns alle Brüder sein!

Freunde, seht die Gläser blinken,

Knaben mögen Wasser trinken,

Männer trinken edlen Wein.

Wie der gold’ne Saft der Reben

Sei auch immer unser Leben,

Stark und kräftig, mild und rein.

Unsern Freundesbund zu ehren

Lasset uns die Gläser leeren!

Stark und kräftig, mild und rein

Sei das Leben, sei der Wein!

Drinking song

English Translation © Richard Wigmore

Friends, gather in a circle.

Rejoice in the manner of our fathers;

join in loud jubilation.

Friendship offers the cup of joy

for the happy toper’s pleasure;

the golden, sparkling wine beckons.

In this hour of celebration

join your hands in convivial union;

friends, lend your joyful voices;

let us all be brothers.

Friends, behold the gleaming glasses.

Let boys drink water;

men drink noble wine.

May our life always be

strong and robust, gentle and pure.

To honour our bond of friendship

let us empty our glasses!

May our life and our wine

always be strong and robust,

gentle and pure.

Translations by Richard Wigmore first published by Gollancz and reprinted in the Hyperion Schubert Song Edition

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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.

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