Author Archives: YK 1965

About YK 1965

Class of WYK1965 Microbiologist (Environmental Microbiology) Honorary Research Fellow Agriculture Canada, Ottawa

Un bel di 晴朗的一天 (歌剧« 蝴蝶夫人 ») « One Fine Day»

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Soprano aria from Madama Butterfly, libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madama_Butterfly:

“Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly) is an opera in three acts (originally two acts) by Giacomo Puccini, with an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. Puccini based his opera in part on the short story “Madame Butterfly” (1898) by John Luther Long, which was dramatized by David Belasco. Puccini also based it on the novel Madame Chrysanthème (1887) by Pierre Loti. According to one scholar, the opera was based on events that actually occurred in Nagasaki in the early 1890s.”

Aria setup: In this famous and popular aria of Act 2 Cio-Cio San (Madame Butterfly, soprano) expresses her yearning for her American husband’s return on a beautiful day.  She tells Suzuki, her servant, that it will come true.

Performed by:

Yasuko Hayashi– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_vkcFXVSEQ&feature=related

Mika Mori– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_L0m1vYrmk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QERpXO5fDDg&feature=related

Maria Callas–http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFQXdJxhmaY&feature=related

Renata Tebaldi–http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1woH96ROG-c&feature=related

YK’s note: The most moving portrayal of Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly) I’ve seen on stage is that by the Chinese star, soprano Zhang Liping 张立平 (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Liping; http://www.stafford-law.com/zhang.htm), in 2004 Opera Lyra of Ottawa production to all sold-out performances.  Her rendition of Un Bel di is not available on YouTube, except for a brief excerpt at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXL16AqWZ6A).  However, it’s included in her 2010 EMI CD “Arias” (ASIN: B001E45T0M).

Tr. YK Chan 陈耀国译

Un bel dì, vedremo 我梦想在晴朗的一天

Un bel di, vedremo

levarsi un fil di fumo 一熘烟於
sull’estremo confin del mare. 远远的海平面上升°
E poi la nave appare. 那条船就出现了°
Poi la nave bianca 然后那白船
entra nel porto, 进入港口,
romba il suo saluto. 轰然地发出讯号礼°

Vedi? È venuto!你 瞧? 他来了!
Io non gli scendo incontro. Io no. 我不下去接他° 我不去°
Mi metto là sul ciglio del colle e aspetto, 我到山边去等他,
e aspetto gran tempo 长久地等
e non mi pesa, 但等得久也不会
la lunga attesa. 使我厌倦的°

E uscito dalla folla cittadina, 一个汉子从那人口稠密的小城出来了,
un uomo, un picciol punto 一个小点
s’avvia per la collina. 爬上山来°
Chi sarà? chi sarà? 他是谁? 他是谁?

E come sarà giunto 他来到后

Zhang Liping as Cio-Cio San

che dirà? che dirà? 会说什么? 他会说什么?
Chiamerà Butterfly dalla lontana. 他会在远处呼唤着蝴蝶
Io senza dar risposta 但我不回答       
me ne starò nascosta 只是藏着
un po’ per celia 戲弄他一下
e un po’ per non morire 而一点也不昏亡°
al primo incontro; 在这次首会,
ed egli alquanto in pena 他有些惆怅
chiamerà, chiamerà: 他喊着, 喊着
“Piccina mogliettina, “小娘子,
olezzo di verbena” 桔子花 “
i nomi che mi dava al suo venire. 那是他上次来时呼唤我的名字°
(a Suzuki) (对铃木说)
Tutto questo avverrà, 这一切都会实现,
te lo prometto. 我向你保证°
Tienti la tua paura, 保留你的恐惧,
io con sicura fede l’aspetto. 我以实在的信念等候他回来°

Heidenröslein (“Rose on the Heath” or “Little Rose of the Field”) 野玫瑰

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Heidenröslein is a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It has been set to music by a number of composers, most notably by Franz Schubert as his “D. 257“.

Sung by:

Fritz Wunderlich (tenor) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyCVx1IpE6w&feature=fvw

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifuwo9iNf7E&feature=related

Sah ein Knab’ ein Röslein stehn,
Röslein auf der Heiden,
War so jung und morgenschön,
Lief er schnell es nah zu sehn,
Sah’s mit vielen Freuden.
Röslein, Röslein, Röslein rot,
Röslein auf der Heiden.

Knabe sprach: „Ich breche dich,
Röslein auf der Heiden.“
Röslein sprach: „Ich steche dich,
Dass du ewig denkst an mich,
Und ich will’s nicht leiden.“
Röslein, Röslein, Röslein rot,
Röslein auf der Heiden.

Und der wilde Knabe brach
´s Röslein auf der Heiden.
Röslein wehrte sich und stach,
Half ihm doch kein Weh und Ach,
Musst es eben leiden.
Röslein, Röslein, Röslein rot,
Röslein auf der Heiden.

 Once a boy saw a little rose standing,
Little rose of the field,
She was so young and beautiful,
He dashed there quickly to see her near,
Beholden with abundant joy,
Little rose, little rose, little rose red,
Little rose of the field.

The boy then said: “I shall pick thee,
Little rose of the field.”
The little rose said: “I shall stick thee,
Though you’ll always think of me,
I’ll not want to suffer it.”
Little rose, little rose, little rose red,
Little rose of the field.

Still the rough boy picked the rose,
Little rose of the field.
The little rose darted thus and pricked,
No prose of pain could help her,
Alas, she must it yet suffer.
Little rose, little rose, little rose red,
Little rose of the field.

Der Erlkönig (The Erl King 魔王) Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 歌德

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Also a lied (see  Lieder) by Franz Schubert 舒伯特 (b. 31 January 1828), whose birthday is tomorrow.

The poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe depicts the dying moments of a child assailed by a supernatural being, the Erlking or “Erlkönig”, while being carried home by his father on horseback through an alder forest.

Cf: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_Erlk%C3%B6nig

http://www.lilibernard.com/Pages/DerErlkonig.html

Vocalists:

Marian Anderson (Contralto) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3K1rwihWLg

Friedrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XP5RP6OEJI&feature=related

Alexander Kipnis (bass) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u__MAvYrfg&feature=related

Elizabeth Schwarzkopf (Soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anud0zuGRj8

You should be able to tell the 4 voices in the song: the narrator, the father, the son, and the Erl King.

Original German Literal Translation Adaptation
Wer reitet so spät durch Nacht und Wind?
Es ist der Vater mit seinem Kind;
Er hat den Knaben wohl in dem Arm,
Er faßt ihn sicher, er hält ihn warm.

“Mein Sohn, was birgst du so bang dein Gesicht?” —
“Siehst, Vater, du den Erlkönig nicht?
Den Erlenkönig mit Kron und Schweif?” —
“Mein Sohn, es ist ein Nebelstreif.”

“Du liebes Kind, komm, geh mit mir!
Gar schöne Spiele spiel’ ich mit dir;
Manch’ bunte Blumen sind an dem Strand,
Meine Mutter hat manch gülden Gewand.” —

“Mein Vater, mein Vater, und hörest du nicht,
Was Erlenkönig mir leise verspricht?” —
“Sei ruhig, bleibe ruhig, mein Kind;
In dürren Blättern säuselt der Wind.” —

“Willst, feiner Knabe, du mit mir gehen?
Meine Töchter sollen dich warten schön;
Meine Töchter führen den nächtlichen Reihn,
Und wiegen und tanzen und singen dich ein.” —

“Mein Vater, mein Vater, und siehst du nicht dort
Erlkönigs Töchter am düstern Ort?” —
“Mein Sohn, mein Sohn, ich seh es genau:
Es scheinen die alten Weiden so grau. —”

“Ich liebe dich, mich reizt deine schöne Gestalt;
Und bist du nicht willig, so brauch ich Gewalt.” —
“Mein Vater, mein Vater, jetzt faßt er mich an!
Erlkönig hat mir ein Leids getan!” —

Dem Vater grauset’s, er reitet geschwind,
Er hält in Armen das ächzende Kind,
Erreicht den Hof mit Müh’ und Not;
In seinen Armen das Kind war tot.

 Who rides, so late, through night and wind?
It is the father with his child.
He has the boy well in his arm
He holds him safely, he keeps him warm.

“My son, why do you hide your face so anxiously?”
“Father, do you not see the Erl king?
The Erl king with crown and tail?”
“My son, it’s a wisp of fog.”

“You lovely child, come, go with me!
Many a beautiful game I’ll play with you;
Many colourful flowers are on the shore,
My mother has many golden robes.”

“My father, my father, and don’t you hear
What Erl king is quietly promising me?”
“Be calm, stay calm, my child;
The wind is rustling through withered leaves.”

“Do you want to come with me, dear boy?
My daughters shall wait on you fine;
My daughters will lead the nightly dance,
And rock and dance and sing you to sleep.”

“My father, my father, and don’t you see there
Erl king’s daughters in the gloomy place?”
“My son, my son, I see it clearly:
The old willows they shimmer so grey.”

“I love you, your beautiful form entices me;
And if you’re not willing, I shall use force.”
“My father, my father, he’s grabbing me now!
Erl king has done me some harm!”

The father shudders; he swiftly rides on,
He holds the moaning child in his arms,
is hardly able to reach his farm;
In his arms, the child was dead.

 Who rides there so late through the night dark and drear?
The father it is, with his infant so dear;
He holdeth the boy tightly clasp’d in his arm,
He holdeth him safely, he keepeth him warm.

“My son, wherefore seek’st thou thy face thus to hide?”
“Look, father, the Erl King is close by our side!
Dost see not the Erl King, with crown and with train?”
“My son, ’tis the mist rising over the plain.”

“Oh, come, thou dear infant! oh come thou with me!
For many a game I will play there with thee;
On my beach, lovely flowers their blossoms unfold,
My mother shall grace thee with garments of gold.”

“My father, my father, and dost thou not hear
The words that the Erl King now breathes in mine ear?”
“Be calm, dearest child, thy fancy deceives;
the wind is sighing through withering leaves.”

“Wilt go, then, dear infant, wilt go with me there?
My daughters shall tend thee with sisterly care
My daughters by night on the dance floor you lead,
They’ll cradle and rock thee, and sing thee to sleep.”

“My father, my father, and dost thou not see,
How the Erl King is showing his daughters to me?”
“My darling, my darling, I see it alright,
‘Tis the aged grey willows deceiving thy sight.”

“I love thee, I’m charm’d by thy beauty, dear boy!
And if thou aren’t willing, then force I’ll employ.”
“My father, my father, he seizes me fast,
For sorely the Erl King has hurt me at last.”

The father now gallops, with terror half wild,
He holds in his arms the shuddering child;
He reaches his farmstead with toil and dread,—
The child in his arms lies motionless, dead.

Der Nussbaum (The Nut Tree實果樹) Julius Mosen (1803-1867)

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Robert Schumann’s Der Nussbaum comes from the song cycle (Myrthen) for voice & piano, Op. 25/3, he gave to his bride (Clara) on their wedding day.  It was named after the traditional bridal finery, Myrthens (Myrtles; Myrtus spp. 香桃木).

Nussbaum

The poem and lyrics by Julius Mosen tell of the whispers and caresses shared by two nut tree blossoms, revealing a certain maiden’s dreams of a bridegroom; nearby a girl listens, drifting gently into reverie.

[http://www.answers.com/topic/der-nussbaum-es-gr-net-ein-nussbaum-vor-dem-haus-song-for-voice-piano-myrthen-op-25-3]

Song videos:

Barbara Bonney (soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p6v1mhSjYY

Marie-Nicole Lemieux (contralto) –  As the second lied starting at 3:18 —http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGvLPP_hyQg&feature=fvsr

Richard Tauber (tenor) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40uPuWUvmrs&NR=1

Es grünet ein Nußbaum vor dem Haus,
Duftig, luftig breitet er blättrig die Blätter aus
Viel liebliche Blüten stehen dran
Linde Winde kommen, sie herzlich zu umfahn
Es flüstern je zwei zu zwei gepaart
Neigend, beugend zierlich zum Kusse die Häuptchen zart
Die flüstern von einem Mägdlein,
Das dächte die Nächte und Tage lang,
Wußte, ach! selber nicht was
Die flüstern – wer mag verstehn so gar leise Weis?
Flüstern von Bräut’gam und nächstem Jahr
Das Mägdlein horchet, es rauscht im Baum
Sehnend, wähnend sinkt es lächelnd in Schlaf und Traum.

Myrtus_communis

Tr. Sara Smith, Apr 22 2007, 09:33 PM

The nut-tree is turning green in front of the house,
Scented and airy it spreads its leaves
There are many sweet blossoms on it
Gentle winds come and blow tenderly round them
They whisper to each other in pairs
Nodding, bowing their sweet heads gently
They whisper of a young girl,
Who ponders night and day,
But still doesn’t know
They whisper – who could understand such soft wisdom?
They whisper about a groom and next year
The girl listens, it’s rustling in the tree
Longing and imagining she sinks smiling into sleep and dreams.

An die Musik (To Music 致音乐) Franz Adolf Friedrich von Schober (1796-1882)

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A lied set to this poem of Franz von Schober by Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828) , “An die Musik“, op. 88

no. 4, D. 547 (1817), published 1827.

As a hymn to the art of music, it is one of the best-known songs by Schubert. Its greatness and popularity are generally attributed to its harmonic simplicity, sweeping melody, and a strong bass line that effectively underpins the vocal line.

Ref. – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_die_Musik

The original score

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm_AKMV0ME0

Fritz Wunderlich (tenor): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70_2p4OIZ7E

Kathleen Ferrier (contralto): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58VEGr2bwmg

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TP9xXomDfk&feature=related

Erich Kunz (base-baritone): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiqzDyUScL8

Franz Schubert

Du holde Kunst, in wieviel grauen Stunden,

Wo mich des Lebens wilder Kreis umstrickt,

Hast du mein Herz zu warmer Lieb entzunden,

Hast mich in eine beßre Welt entrückt!

Oft hat ein Seufzer, deiner Harf’ entflossen,

Ein süßer, heiliger Akkord von dir

Den Himmel beßrer Zeiten mir erschlossen,

Du holde Kunst, ich danke dir dafür!

 

Tr. Walter Meyer

Oh sacred art, how oft in hours blighted,

While into life’s untamed cycle hurled,

Hast thou my heart to warm love reignited

To transport me into a better world!

So often has a sigh from thy harp drifted,

A chord from thee, holy and full of bliss,

A glimpse of better times from heaven lifted.

Thou sacred art, my thanks to thee for this.

An die Freude (Ode To Joy)-Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller

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歡樂颂

(德) 約翰.克里斯朵夫.費列迪克.逢.席勒 (1759 –1805)

–My New Year wish to all as we enter the second decade of the 21st century YK, Ottawa

“Ode To Joy” is an ode written in 1785 by the German poet, playwright and historian Friedrich Schiller, celebrating the ideal of unity and brotherhood of all mankind. It is best known for its musical setting by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony (completed in 1824), a choral symphony for orchestra, four solo voices and choir.1

The Beethoven setting became the official anthem of the European Union in 1972; the former anthem of Rhodesia used its tune. It has been used in a number of other contexts; possibly the most famous use of it in American popular culture is within the Die Hard franchise. It was also used as a plot point in Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 movie A Clockwork Orange.

[From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ode_to_Joy]

1 Video clips

Words written by Beethoven (not Schiller) are shown in italics. (http://raptusassociation.org/ode1785.html.)

German original English translation
O Freunde, nicht diese Töne!Sondern laßt uns angenehmere anstimmen,und freudenvollere.Freude! (men’s chorus: Freude! )

Freude! (chorus again: Freude! )

 Oh friends, not these tones!Rather, let us raise our voices in more pleasingAnd more joyful sounds!Joy! (Joy!)

Joy! (Joy!)
Freude, schöner Götterfunken*Tochter aus Elysium,Wir betreten feuertrunken,Himmlische, dein Heiligtum!

Deine Zauber binden wieder

Was die Mode streng geteilt;

Alle Menschen werden Brüder,

Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.

 Joy, beautiful spark of divinity*Daughter of Elysium,We enter, drunk with fire,Into your sanctuary, heavenly (daughter)!

Your magic reunites

What custom strictly divided.

All men become brothers,

Where your gentle wing rests.
Wem der große Wurf gelungen,Eines Freundes Freund zu sein;Wer ein holdes Weib errungen,Mische seinen Jubel ein!

Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele

Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund!

Und wer’s nie gekonnt, der stehle

Weinend sich aus diesem Bund!

 Whoever has had the great fortuneTo be a friend’s friend,Whoever has won a devoted wife,Join in our jubilation!

Indeed, whoever can call even one soul,

His own on this earth!

And whoever was never able to, must creep

Tearfully away from this band!
Freude trinken alle WesenAn den Brüsten der Natur;Alle Guten, alle BösenFolgen ihrer Rosenspur.

Küße gab sie uns und Reben,

Einen Freund, geprüft im Tod;

Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben,

Und der Cherub steht vor Gott.

Vor Gott!

 Joy all creatures drinkAt the breasts of nature;All good, all badFollow her trail of roses.

Kisses she gave us, and wine,

A friend, proved in death;

Pleasure was given to the worm,

And the cherub stands before God.

Before God!
Froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegenDurch des Himmels prächt’gen Plan,Laufet, Brüder, eure Bahn,Freudig, wie ein Held zum Siegen. Glad, as His suns flyThrough the Heaven’s glorious design,Run, brothers, your path,Joyful, as a hero to victory.
Seid umschlungen, Millionen!Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt!Brüder, über’m SternenzeltMuss ein lieber Vater wohnen.

Ihr stürzt nieder, Millionen?

Ahnest du den Schöpfer, Welt?

Such’ ihn über’m Sternenzelt!

Über Sternen muss er wohnen.

 Be embraced, millions!This kiss for the whole world!Brothers, above the starry canopyMust a loving Father dwell.

Do you bow down, millions?

Do you sense the Creator, world?

Seek Him beyond the starry canopy!

Beyond the stars must He dwell.
Finale repeats the words:Seid umschlungen, Millionen!Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt!Brüder, über’m Sternenzelt

Muss ein lieber Vater wohnen.

Seid umschlungen,

Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt!

Freude, schöner Götterfunken

Tochter aus Elysium,

Freude, schöner Götterfunken

Götterfunken!

 Finale repeats the words:Be embraced, you millions!This kiss for the whole world!Brothers, beyond the star-canopy

Must a loving Father dwell.

Be embraced,

This kiss for the whole world!

Joy, beautiful spark of divinity,

Daughter of Elysium,

Joy, beautiful spark of divinity

Divinity!

* The vocal part of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony thus ends with the final word”Götterfunken” (literally, “Godly-spark”).

冬L’inverno (Winter) Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741)(意) 安东尼奥. 菲凡尔迪

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For introduction, see “La Primavera” Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

Itzhak Perlman (violin) performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Winter

I.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBq4ov5Y_84&feature=related

II.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dggfA9Vo64U&feature=related

  1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8DzsScxhBE&feature=related

Tr. YK Chan 陈耀国譯

L’inverno (Winter) – Concerto in f-minor

Allegro non molto
“Aggiacciato tremar trà neri algenti
Al Severo Spirar d’ orrido Vento,
Correr battendo i piedi ogni momento;
E pel Soverchio gel batter i denti;”

Largo
“Passar al foco i di quieti e contenti
Mentre la pioggia fuor bagna ben cento”

Allegro
“Caminar Sopra ‘l giaccio, e à passo lento
Per timor di cader gersene intenti;
Gir forte Sdruzziolar, cader à terra
Di nuove ir Sopra ‘l giaccio e correr forte
Sin ch’ il giaccio si rompe, e si disserra;
Sentir uscir dalle ferrate porte
Sirocco Borea, e tutti i Venti in guerra
Quest’ é ‘l verno, mà tal, che gioja apporte.”

 冬 – F 小调协奏曲

不太快的快板
战栗着, 霜寒的雪

在刺骨的冷风中结了冰;

来去走动地大踏步,
也在寒气里齒震.

慢板

在炉灶旁安乐地休息,

在外面的却被大雨淋透.

快板

在冰地上慢慢小心地走,
因害怕跌交摔倒.
就突然拐个弯,滑了,跌在地上

然后,爬起来,急跑过冰地不让它裂开.
感觉到寒冷的北风直透家里

虽然门户都已杣锁好…
这是冬天,然而它带来它特有的欢乐.

Der Lindenbaum (The Linden Tree 椴树/菩提树) by Wilhelm Müller

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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

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
And an old Linden tree,
Under its shady branches
My dreams were sweet and free.
I carved in its old bark,
So many phrases dear.
In times of joy and sadness
It always drew me near.

Today I still must wander
All through the gloomy night
’twas then that in the darkness
I closed my eyes so tight.
And I heard branches whisper
As if they called to me:
Come to me weary traveler,
You’ll find your peace with me.

The frigid winds were blowing
Against my face and me.
My hat flew into darkness,
I did not turn to see.
Now I am many hours
Away from this old tree
And still I hear it whispering
You’d find your peace with me.

An Silvia (To Silvia/Who is Silvia? 谁是西尔维亚?) Eduard von Bauernfeld (1802-1890)

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A German poem based on a text in English by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) , from Two Gentlemen of Verona (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_Gentlemen_of_Verona), Act IV, Scene 2.

 

It’s also a lied set to this text by Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828) , “An Silvia“, op. 106 no. 4, D. 891 (1826).  Sung by:

Fritz Wunderlich (tenor) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14AT7-79oJk&feature=related

Lucia Popp (soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX8BuKKpVeY&feature=fvw

Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano) – In English http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8vHk038_VY&feature=related

Was ist Silvia, saget an,
Daß sie die weite Flur preist?
Schön und zart seh ich sie nahn,
Auf Himmelsgunst und Spur weist,
Daß ihr alles untertan.
Ist sie schön und gut dazu?
Reiz labt wie milde Kindheit;
Ihrem Aug’ eilt Amor zu,
Dort heilt er seine Blindheit
Und verweilt in süßer Ruh.
Darum Silvia, tön, o Sang,
Der holden Silvia Ehren;
Jeden Reiz besiegt sie lang,
Den Erde kann gewähren:
Kränze ihr und Saitenklang!  
Original English text:Who is Silvia? What is she,
That all our swains commend her?
Holy, fair, and wise is she;
The heaven such grace did lend her,
That she might admirèd be.
Is she kind as she is fair?
For beauty lives with kindness.
Love doth to her eyes repair,
To help him of his blindness,
And, being help’d, inhabits there.
Then to Silvia let us sing,
That Silvia is excelling;
She excels each mortal thing
Upon the dull earth dwelling:
To her let us garlands bring.

Three German cradle songs (Drei Wiegenlieder) 德文摇籃曲三首

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 1.  Wiegenlied (Op. 49, No. 4)            Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Sung by:

Hermann Prey (baritone) –

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6VEkG09Qkc&feature=more_related

Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo-soprano) – 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YphiCF3bxrE

Elisabeth Schumann (soprano)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aeTY4fhxA4&feature=related

Carreras, Domingo, Pavarotti (tenors) – 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHVaw4FYXCQ

Note: The first verse is taken from a collection of German folk poems called Des Knaben Wunderhorn.

Guten Abend, gut Nacht,

Mit Rosen bedacht,

Mit Näglein besteckt,

Schlupf unter die Deck’:

Morgen früh, wenn Gott will,

Wirst du wieder geweckt.

 

Guten Abend, gut Nacht,

Von Englein bewacht,

Die zeigen im Traum

Dir Christkindleins Baum:

Schlaf nun selig und süß,

Schau im Traum’s Paradies.

Tr. Emily Ezust

Good evening, good night,

Bedecked with roses,

Covered with carnations,

Slip under the blanket

Early tomorrow, God willing,

Will you be waken again.

Good evening, good night,

Guarded by angels,

Who indicate to you by dream

The tree of the Christ child:

Sleep now blissfully and sweetly,

Behold Paradise in your dreams.

 2.      For a long time this Wiegenlied was attributed to Mozart (K. 350 – 1780). However it is now believed to be by Bernhard Flies (~ 1770 – ?) from the theatre play “Esther” (Leipzig 1795) written by Friedrich Wilhelm Gotter (1746-1797).

Renditions by:

Karin Shifrin (mezzo-soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA4IUgihLio

Esther Ofarim (soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eKcfd0_CsU

Vienna Boys Choir – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPOzkkHBAqo

Hayley Westenra (soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUJN3KznBRE&feature=related

Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein,
es ruhn Schäfchen und Vögelein.
Gärten und Wiesen verstummt,
auch nicht ein Bienchen mehr summt.
Luna mit silbernem Schein
Gucket zum Fenster herein;
schlafe beim silbernen Schein!
Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein!
Schlaf ein, schlaf ein!

Alles im Schlosse schon liegt,

alles in Schlummer gewiegt,

reget kein Mäuschen sich mehr,

Keller und Küche sind leer,

nur in der Zofe Gemach

tönet ein schmachtendes Ach!

Was für ein Ach mag dies sein?

Schlafe, mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein.

Wer ist beglückter als Du?
Nichts als Vergnügen und Ruh
Spielwerk und Zucker vollauf
und noch Karossen im Lauf
Alles besorgt und bereit,
daß nur mein Prinzchen nicht schreit
Was wird das künftig noch sein?
Schlafe mein Prinzchen, schlaf ein.
Schlaf ein, schlaf ein.

Tr. Emily Ezust

Sleep, my little prince, fall asleep:

 the lambs and birdies are resting,

 the garden and meadow are silent,

 and even the little bee hums no more.

 Luna with a silver gleam

 is pouring her light into the window.

 Sleep by the silvery light,

 sleep, my little prince, fall asleep!

 Everyone in the castle is already lying down:

 everyone is cradled in slumber,

 and even the little mouse rustles no more.

 The cellar and kitchen are empty,

 only in the chambermaid’s quarters

 one can hear a languishing sigh!

 What kind of sigh might this be?

 Sleep, my little prince, fall asleep!

 Who is happier than you?

 Nothing but amusement and rest!

 Toys and sugar enough,

 and even a stately coach to convey you;

 everyone is careful and ready

 so that my little prince will not shriek.

 But what will the future bring?

 Sleep, my little prince, fall asleep.

3.  Wiegenlied (D. 498, op. 98 No. 2)              Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Sung by:

Gundula Janowitz (soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSII_tDIBa4&NR=1

Irmgard Seefried (soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3r3FzAGqeE&feature=related

Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2zXK-qyOXQ

Schlafe, schlafe, holder süßer Knabe,
Leise wiegt dich deiner Mutter Hand;
Sanfte Ruhe, milde Labe
Bringt dir schwebend dieses Wiegenband.

Schlafe, schlafe in dem süßen Grabe,
Noch beschützt dich deiner Mutter Arm,
Alle Wünsche, alle Habe
Faßt sie lieben, alle liebwarm.

Schlafe, schlafe in der Flaumen Schoße,
Noch umtönt dich lauter Liebeston,
Eine Lilie, eine Rose,
Nach dem Schlafe werd’ sie dir zum Lohn.

Tr. Linda Godry

Do sleep, do sleep, lovely, sweet boy,

To the gentle rocking of your mother’s hand;

Peaceful sleep, and recreation

Does come floating with each gentle pull.

Do sleep, do sleep in your sweet berth,

Still protected by your mother’s arm,

All her wishes, all your talents

Encompassing, in her steady love.

Do sleep, do sleep, in that downy embrace,

Still you only hear a gentle crooning,

Dewy flowers: lilies and roses,

After slumber they will be your prize.