art songs and arias
Translation, Pronunciation and analysis
When you prepare a new aria or song you have to tackle many issues apart from the music:
- Translation of the text (both, word-by-word and literal)
- Get clear on German diction. This does not only include the pronunciation of each sound and word but also speaking rhythm and language melody.
- Interpretation of the (usually poetic) language by analysing the use of words and ambiguous meaning in combination with the use of musical settings.
The perfect preparation!
“Der Tod und das Mädchen” (Franz Schubert) – Translation, Pronunciation Guide and Analysis
The following article is about Franz Schubert's song "Der Tod und das Mädchen". It provides you with a translation, a pronunciation guide and an analysis of the text. Text and translation Vorüber, ach vorüber geh, wilder Knochenmann! Ich bin noch jung. Geh, Lieber,...
“Auch kleine Dinge” (Hugo Wolf) – A Guide to Pronunciation, Analysis and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation guide and text analysis (interpretation tips) of "Auch kleine Dinge" by Hugo Wolf Auch kleine Dinge können uns entzücken, auch kleine Dinge können t(h)euer sein. Bedenkt, wie gern wir uns mit Perlen schmücken, sie werden schwer bezahlt und...
“An die Musik” (Franz Schubert) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation guide and text analysis (interpretation tips) of "An die Musik" by Franz Schubert Du holde Kunst, in wie viel grauen Stunden wo mich des Lebens wilder Kreis umstrickt, hast du mein Herz zu warmer Lieb entzunden, hast mich in eine...
“Gretchen am Spinnrade” (Franz Schubert) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation guide and text analysis (interpretation tips) of “Gretchen am Spinnrade” by Franz Schubert Text and Translation Meine Ruh ist hin My peace is gone Mein Herz ist schwer ...
“Im wunderschönen Monat Mai” (Robert Schumann) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation guide and interpretation tips on “Im wunderschönen Monat Mai” by Robert Schumann Text and translation Im wunderschönen Monat Mai In the beautiful month of May als alle Knospen sprangen, ...
“Von ewiger Liebe” (Johannes Brahms) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation guide and interpretation tips on “Von ewiger Liebe” (Johannes Brahms) Text and translation Dunkel, wie dunkel in Wald und in Feld! Dark, how dark in forest and in field! Abend schon ist es, nun...
“Bist du bei mir” (J. S. Bach / G. H. Stölzel) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation guide and interpretation tips on “Bist du bei mir” by Johann Sebastian Bach / Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel Text and translation Bist du bei mir, geh‘ ich mit Freuden If you are with me, I will go with joy zum Sterben und...
Johannespassion Part I (J. S. Bach) – A Pronunciation Guide for Choirs
Translation of and pronunciation guide for the choral parts of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Johannespassion” (Part I) As an ambitious choir, you will sooner or later come across Johann Sebastian Bach’s choral works. Bach worked 17 years as Thomaskantor in Leipzig, that...
“In diesen heil’gen Hallen” (‘Die Zauberflöte’, W. A Mozart) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation guide and interpretation tips on W. A. Mozart’s aria “In diesen heil’gen Hallen” from the opera “Die Zauberflöte” Text and translation In diesen heil’gen Hallen Within these hallowed halls Kennt man die Rache...
“Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen” (Gustav Mahler) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation and interpretation guide on Gustav Mahler’s art song “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen” Text and translation Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen, I have become lost to the world Mit der ich sonst viele Zeit verdorben, who I used to ruin so...
“Ach, ich fühl’s” (‘Die Zauberflöte’, W. A. Mozart) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation and interpretation guide on W. A. Mozart’s aria “Ach, ich fühl’s” from the opera “Die Zauberflöte” Aria text Ach, ich fühl’s, es ist verschwunden, Ah, I feel it, it has disappeared Ewig hin der Liebe Glück! ...
“Erlkönig” (Franz Schubert) – A Guide to Pronunciation and Interpretation
Translation, pronunciation guide and interpretation tips on "Erlkönig" by Franz Schubert Historical background „Der Erlkönig” is a famous ballad by the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, written in 1778 as part of a singspiel. It tells the story of a father...