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An die Musik, by Franz Schubert
Lyrics (original poem in German by Franz von Schober)
Du holde Kunst, in wieviel grauen Stunden,
Wo mich des Lebens wilder Kreis umstrickt,
Hast du mein Herz zu warmer Lieb' entzünden,
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!
Oh lovely Art, in how many grey hours,
When life's fierce orbit ensnared me,
Have you kindled my heart to warm love,
Carried me away into a better world!
How often has a sigh escaping from your harp,
A sweet, sacred chord of yours
Opened up for me the heaven of better times,
Oh lovely Art, for that I thank you!
Franz Schubert composed his lied "An die Musik" (German for "To Music") in March 1817 for solo voice and piano, with text from a poem by his friend Franz von Schober. In the Deutsch catalog of Schubert's works it is number 547, or D547. It was published in 1827 as Opus 88 No. 4 by Weigl.
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. (Source: Wikipedia)
American modern folk singer-songwriter Josephine Foster did a swooningly beautiful rendition of this song, which is included in her 2006 album A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing as the opening track (a live performance below). Be sure to click here and download the full album version - it is seriously too gorgeous to miss.
Dame Janet Baker sings Schubert's An die Musik, piano accompaniment by Murray Perahia, Covent Garden, London.
My absolute favourite baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau's interpretation...
❤
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