Der Lindenbaum is the 5th of the Winterreise (Winter Journey 冬之旅) cycle of 24 poems by Wilhelm Müller, best known as the song cycle set for voice and piano by Franz Schubert (D. 911, published as Op. 89 in 1827). It is the second of Schubert’s two great song cycles on Müller’s poems. It was originally written for tenor voice but also transcribed for other voice ranges.
Poem/lyric synopsis: “The wanderer comes to the linden tree, with its pale flowers and heart-shaped leaves that stands at the gate. In the shade of this tree he has dreamt many beautiful dreams, and in the bark he has carved words of love. It was his favourite place. Now he passes it with his eyes shut, even though it is deepest night, but the branches rustle to him, ‘Come to me weary traveler, You’ll find your peace with me’. A gust of wind blows his hat off, and many hours afterwards he remembers the tree, and it seems to say ‘You’ll find your peace with me.’ It is a tacit invitation to suicide.”
[Cf. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winterreise; http://www.gopera.com/winterreise/articles/rp_lied05.mv]
Sung by:
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyxMMg6bxrg&feature=related
Alexander Kipnis (bass) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdLVzVkvRcg&feature=related
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Am Brunnen vor dem Tore
Da steht ein Lindenbaum Ich träumt in seinem Schatten So manchen süßen Traum Ich schnitt in seine Rinde so manches liebes Wort Es zog in Freud und Leide Zu ihm mich immer fort Die kalten Winde bliesen
Mir grad ins Angesicht Der Hut flog mir vom Kopfe Ich wendete mich nicht Nun bin ich manche Stunde Entfernt von diesem Ort Und immer hör ich’s rauschen: “Du fändest Ruhe dort Ich mußt auch heute wandern
Vorbei in tiefer Nacht Da hab ich noch im Dunkel Die Augen zugemacht Und seine Zweige rauschten Als riefen sie mir zu: “Komm her zu mir, Geselle Hier findst du deine Ruh |
[Tr. Frank, 2001]
Outside the gate’s a fountain Today I still must wander The frigid winds were blowing |