Songs

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

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

If you would like to use our texts and translations, please click here for more information.

Text & Translation

View IPA

Display Inline

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:

Liebeslieder Walzer 17 Oct 2024
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