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.