Songs

Lieder aus dem Schenkenbuch im Divan I „Sitz ich allein“

by Robert Schumann From Myrthen (1840) Op. 25 i–early iv 1840

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Text & Translation

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Lieder aus dem Schenkenbuch im Divan I „Sitz ich allein“
German source: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Sitz ich allein,
Wo kann ich besser sein?
Meinen Wein
Trink ich allein;
Niemand setzt mir Schranken,
Ich hab’ so meine eignen Gedanken.

Songs from the 'Book of the Cupbearer' from West-östlicher Divan I
English translation © Richard Stokes

If I sit alone,
Where could I be better off?
I drink my wine
All by myself;
Nobody hampers me
And I can think my own thoughts.

Translations by Richard Stokes, author of The Book of Lieder (Faber, 2005)

Composer

Robert Schumann

Robert Schumann was a German composer and influential music critic. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Schumann left the study of law, intending to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist. He had been assured…

Poet

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang Goethe was a German writer and statesman. His body of work includes epic and lyric poetry written in a variety of metres and styles; prose and verse dramas; memoirs; an autobiography; literary and aesthetic criticism; treatises on…

Performances

Previously performed at:

Young Artist Auditions (Session 6) 20 Apr 2024
09. Inspired by Hafez: Michael Mofidian & Jâms Coleman 11 Oct 2020
Goethe - A Life in Songs: Christopher Maltman & Graham Johnson 07 Apr 2019