Robert Schumann: "Liebesbotschaft", Op. 36, No. 6

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
"Liebesbotschaft", Op. 36, No. 6
Poem: Robert Reinick
Christian Gerhaher (baritone)
Gerold Huber (piano)


Written in the summer of 1840, the closing song of Sechs Gedichte, Op. 36, "Liebesbotschaft," Op. 36/6 (A Lover's Message), is one of Robert Schumann's finest adagio melodies. Its text, by Robert Reinick, details one lovestruck man's requests to the clouds to carry a message of faithful adoration to his beloved. Schumann similarly used this song to communicate his affection to his fiancée, Clara Wieck, who was temporarily separated from him while obstacles surrounding their engagement cleared. Reinforcing their complementary styles and personalities, he borrowed a portion of her "Liebeszauber," Op. 13, to close "Liebesbotschaft," giving it the finest ending in the volume. (AllMusic.com)


Liebesbotschaft

Wolken, die ihr nach Osten eilt,
Wo die eine, die Meine weilt,
All meine Wünsche, mein Hoffen und Singen
Sollen auf eure Flügel sich schwingen,
Sollen euch, Flüchtige, zu ihr lenken,
Daß die Züchtige
meiner in Treuen mag gedenken.

Singen noch Morgenträume sie ein,
Schwebet leise zum Garten hinein,
Senket als Tau euch in schattige Räume,
Streuet Perlen auf Blumen und Bäume,
Daß der Holdseligen, kommt sie gegangen,
All die fröhlichen Blüten
Sich öffnen mit lichterem Prangen.

Und am Abend in stiller Ruh',
Breitet der sinkenden Sonne euch zu!
Mögt mit Purpur und Gold euch malen,
Mögt in dem Meere von Gluten und Strahlen
Leicht sich schwingende Schifflein fahren,
Daß sie singende Engel
Glaubet auf euch zu gewahren.

Ja, wohl möchten es Engel sein,
Wär mein Herz gleich ihrem rein;
All meine Wünsche, mein Hoffen und Singen
Zieht ja dahin auf euren Schwingen,
Euch, ihr Flüchtigen, hinzulenken
Zu der Züchtigen,
Der ich einzig nur mag gedenken.

Robert Reinick (1805-1852)


Message of love

Clouds that hurry toward the East,
where the one who's mine is waiting,
all my wishes, my hopes and songs
shall fly with you on your wings,
shall steer you, hurrying ones, to her
so that my chaste love
shall think of me with loyal love.

Sing morning dreams to her still,
float gently in the garden,
sink like dew into the shadowy room,
strew pearls upon the flowers and trees
so that to that wonderful being, if she passes by,
all the merry blossoms
shall open with even brighter splendor.

And in the evening, in the silent calm,
spread the sinking sun's light upon her!
It shall paint you purple and gold;
And in the sea, bright with glow and sunbeams,
the little ship plies its way,
so that she believes singing angels
are preserving her.

Yes, it may well be angels,
if my heart were pure like hers;
All my wishes, my hopes and songs
are drawn there on your wings,
are steered there by you, hurrying ones,
to my chaste love,
so that I alone may think of her.

Translation: Emily Ezust

Category:

Music

Tags:

• classical
• vocal
• Lieder
• Schumann
• Reinick
• Op.
• 36
• Gerhaher
• Huber

[Glenmed]

Karen, you are one of those gentle ladies that recur in your videos. You are somewhere in an idyllic cottage surrounded with flowers, lilting music and nice thoughts. At any rate that is the mind's eye image your artistry and choices create.

[FiDiTanzer528]

Haha, I can see I've got you fooled, Barry. :)) Sounds like a nice life though.

[oakroom48]

Karen, Exquisite video in every way - thanks! :)

[FiDiTanzer528]

Thanks, B! I was wondering if you were familiar with Gerhaher.

[007strauss]

Simply wonderful! Thanks for uploading.

[FiDiTanzer528]

Thank you Hans. Glad you enjoyed it. Don't worry. I haven't forgotten about the Pfitzner. Just taking a little break. :)

[aghorah]

beautiful

[CanadaPisces]

Very enjoyable! TY!

[FiDiTanzer528]

Thanks. Would we could all sing like this. :)