Wiegenlied, D 498 (Schubert)

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First two measures of the melody[1]

D 498, Op. 98, No. 2, is a lullaby composed in November 1816.[2] The song is also known as "Mille cherubini in coro" after an Italian language arrangement for voice and orchestra by Alois Melichar
.

Lyrics

The author of the lyrics is unknown; they are sometimes attributed to Matthias Claudius, but the poem does not appear in Claudius' collected works.[3]

Original German lyrics[1] Direct English translation English lyrics by Chapman[4]

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 liebend, alle liebewarm.

Schlafe, schlafe in der Flaumen Schoße,
noch umtönt dich lauter Liebeston;
eine Lilie, eine Rose,
nach dem Schlafe werd' sie dir zum Lohn.

Sleep, sleep, gracious, sweet boy,
softly rocked by your mother's hand;
gentle rest, mild refreshment
brings you this floating cradle-strap.

Sleep, sleep in the sweet grave,
still protected by your mother's arms;
all her desires, all her possessions
she holds lovingly, glowing with love.

Sleep, sleep in the downy bosom,
still notes of love grow around you;
a lily, a rose,
after sleep they will reward you.

Slumber, slumber, O my darling baby,
Gently rocked by Mother's gentle hand;
Softly rest and safely slumber,
While she swings thee by this cradle-band.

Slumber, slumber, all so sweetly buried,
Guarded by thy mother's loving arm;
All her wishes, all possessions,
And her love, shall shelter thee from harm.

Slumber, slumber, warm thy nest and downy,
Many a loving song for thee she'll sing;
Then a rosebud and a lily,
When thou wakest, she to thee will bring.

Music

Related works

Alois Melichar arranged Wiegenlied along with incidental music from Schubert's opera

Berlin State Opera Orchestra.[5]

In more recent times the song was notably sung by tenor Luciano Pavarotti, usually in his Christmas concerts.

References

  1. ^ a b Schubert, Franz (1895) [1816], "Wiegenlied von M. Claudius.(?) Für eine Singstimme mit Begleitung des Pianforte", in Mandyczewski, Eusebius (ed.), Franz Peter Schuberts Werke, Serie XX: Sämtliche einstimmige Lieder und Gesänge (PDF) (in German), vol. 4, Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel, p. 239, retrieved 30 August 2011
  2. G. Schirmer Inc.
    , Indiana University Sheet Music #LL-SDV-108066, retrieved 30 August 2011
  3. ^ "Review: Beniamino Gigli (tenor) with Berlin State Opera Orchestra under Alois Melichar", Gramophone, vol. 13, no. 155, p. 21, April 1936, retrieved 31 August 2011

Further reading

External links

Scores
Recordings