Songs

Der Tanz (1828) D826

Der Tanz

Kolumban Schnitzer Von Meerau

Es redet und träumet die Jugend so viel,

Von Tanzen, Galoppen, Gelagen,

Auf einmal erreicht sie ein trügliches Ziel,

Du hört man sie seufzen und klagen.

Bald schmerzet der Hals, und bald schmerzet die Brust,

Verschwunden ist alle die himmlische Lust.

„Nur diesmal noch kehr’ mir Gesundheit zurück!“

So flehet: vom Himmel der hoffende Blick!

The Dance

English Translation © Richard Wigmore

Youth talks and dreams so much

of dancing, capering and carousing;

then all of a sudden it reaches its illusory goal,

and we hear it sighing and complaining.

Now the pain is in the throat, now it’s in the chest;

vanished are all heavenly joys.

‘Give me back my health just this once!’

The imploring gaze beseeches heaven.

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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