Songs

Der Tanz

by Franz Schubert

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Text & Translation

Der Tanz
German source: 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

Der Tanz
German source: Kolumban Schnitzer Von Meerau

The Dance
English source: Richard Wigmore

Es redet und träumet die Jugend so viel,
Youth talks and dreams so much
Von Tanzen, Galoppen, Gelagen,
of dancing, capering and carousing;
Auf einmal erreicht sie ein trügliches Ziel,
then all of a sudden it reaches its illusory goal,
Du hört man sie seufzen und klagen.
and we hear it sighing and complaining.

Bald schmerzet der Hals, und bald schmerzet die Brust,
Now the pain is in the throat, now it’s in the chest;
Verschwunden ist alle die himmlische Lust.
vanished are all heavenly joys.
„Nur diesmal noch kehr’ mir Gesundheit zurück!“
‘Give me back my health just this once!’
So flehet: vom Himmel der hoffende Blick!
The imploring gaze beseeches heaven.

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…

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