Songs

Gedenke doch, mein Geist, zurücke

by Benjamin Britten From Five Spiritual Songs - Geistliche Lieder (1969)

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Text & Translation

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Gedenke doch, mein Geist, zurücke
German source: Anon.

Gedenke doch, mein Geist, zurücke
Ans Grab und an den Glockenschlag,
Da man mich zur Ruh begleiten,
Auf daß ich klüglich sterben mag.
Schreib dieses Wort in Herz und Brust:
Gedenke, daß du sterben mußt.

Be mindful, O soul
English translation © Richard Stokes

Be mindful, O soul,
Of the grave and the tolling bell
That accompanies you to rest,
So that I might wisely die.
Inscribe these words on heart and breast:
Be mindful that you must die.

Gedenke doch, mein Geist, zurücke
German source: Anon.

Be mindful, O soul
English source: Richard Stokes

Gedenke doch, mein Geist, zurücke
Be mindful, O soul,
Ans Grab und an den Glockenschlag,
Of the grave and the tolling bell
Da man mich zur Ruh begleiten,
That accompanies you to rest,
Auf daß ich klüglich sterben mag.
So that I might wisely die.
Schreib dieses Wort in Herz und Brust:
Inscribe these words on heart and breast:
Gedenke, daß du sterben mußt.
Be mindful that you must die.

Composer

Benjamin Britten

Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten (22 November 1913 – 4 December 1976) was an English composer, conductor and pianist. He was a central figure of 20th-century British classical music, with a range of works including opera, other vocal music,…

Poet

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