Songs
O ihr Herren
by Robert Schumann From Zwölf Gedichte aus „Liebesfrühling“ (1841) Op. 37 4–11 & 16.i.1841
This song was recorded on the album 'Robert and Clara Schumann: Rückert Lieder' on Stone Records (in collaboration with BBC Music Magazine). Featuring every piano-accompanied setting of the poet Friedrich Rückert by both Robert and Clara Schumann, including duets and ensembles, it was recorded in preparation for Oxford Lieder's The Schumann Project in 2016.
Click here to listen to this song with Mary Bevan and Sholto Kynoch, or click here to buy the CD from Stone Records.
O ihr Herren
German source:
Friedrich Rückert
Grossen, reichen Herren all!
Braucht in euren schönen Gärten
Ihr denn keine Nachtigall?
Hier ist eine, die ein stilles
Plätzchen sucht die Welt entlang!
Räumt mir eines ein, ich will es
Euch bezahlen mit Gesang.
O you Lords
English translation ©
Richard Stokes
Great and rich lords!
Have you no need in your beautiful gardens
Of a single nightingale?
Here is one who searches
For a quiet corner in the world!
Grant me but this, and I shall
Repay you with song.
Translations by Richard Stokes, author of The Book of Lieder (Faber, 2005)
O ihr Herren
German source:
Friedrich Rückert
O you Lords
English source:
Richard Stokes
O ihr Herren, o ihr werten,
O you lords, O all you worthy,
Grossen, reichen Herren all!
Great and rich lords!
Braucht in euren schönen Gärten
Have you no need in your beautiful gardens
Ihr denn keine Nachtigall?
Of a single nightingale?
Hier ist eine, die ein stilles
Here is one who searches
Plätzchen sucht die Welt entlang!
For a quiet corner in the world!
Räumt mir eines ein, ich will es
Grant me but this, and I shall
Euch bezahlen mit Gesang.
Repay you with song.
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
Friedrich Rückert
Friedrich Rückert was a German poet, translator, and professor of Oriental languages. Rückert was born at Schweinfurt and was the eldest son of a lawyer. He was educated at the local Gymnasium and at the universities of Würzburg and Heidelberg.…