Franz Schubert?s ?Winterreise? is a collection of 24 songs set to poems by Wilhelm Muller. ?Winterreise? was composed in two parts with twelve songs each, mostly in minor keys. The cycle follows no narrative, and remains introverted, dark, and cold throughout. The main themes are of anguish, desperation, and journeying, coupled with images of ice, snow, death, and tears. As one could guess from the somber text and accompanying music, Schubert wrote the cycle when he was dying of syphilis and the last thing he did on this earth was correct the proofs for part 2. Musically, the work is among Schubert?s finest and through it he elevates the pianist to the level of the singer as the piano supplies rhythmic variation and intense imagery such as birds crowing, winter elements, and the posthorn calling.
Am Brunnen vor dem Tore
By the well before the gate
Da steht ein Lindenbaum;
There stands a linden tree;
Ich träumt in seinem Schatten
I have dreamt in its shadows
So manchen süßen Traum.
So many a sweet dream.
Ich schnitt in seine Rinde
I carved in its bark
So manches liebe Wort;
So many loving words;
Es zog in Freud' und Leide
It drew in joy and sorrow
Zu ihm mich immer fort.
To me always again.
Ich mußt' auch heute wander
I had also today to walk
Vorbei in tiefer Nacht,
Past in deep night,
Da hab' ich noch im Dunkel
There had I even in the darkness
Die Augen zugemacht.
The eyes to close.
Und seine Zweige rauschten,
And its branches rustled,
Als riefen sie mir zu:
As if calling to me:
Komm her zu mir, Geselle,
Come here to me, lad,
Hier find'st du deine Ruh'!
Here will find you your peace!
Die kalten Winde bliesen
The cold winds blew
Mir grad ins Angesicht;
Me full in the face;
Der Hut flog mir vom Kopfe,
The hat flew from my head,
Ich wendete mich nicht.
I turned back myself not.
Nun bin ich manche Stunde
Now am I many hours
Entfernt von jenem Ort,
Distant from that place,
Und immer hör' ich's rauschen:
And still I hear it rustling:
Du fändest Ruhe dort!
You would find peace there!