Franz Schubert (1797-1828):
Der Leiermann, D. 911, No. 24
(from Die Winterreise)
(composed in 1827; first published in 1828)
Text: Wilhelm Müller
Original Key/Recorded Key: A Minor
Teach-Track begins: m. 1
Accompaniment Track begins: m. 1
Pianist: Steven Spooner
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.
Der Leiermann
The organ grinder
Drüben hinterm Dorfe steht ein Leiermann,
Over there behind the village stands an organ grinder
Und mit starren Fingern dreht er was er kann.
And with stiff fingers grinds he as best he can.
Barfuß auf dem Eise wankt er hin und her,
Barfoot on the ice staggers he to and fro,
Und sein kleiner Teller bleibt ihm immer leer.
And his little plate remains for him always empty.
Keiner mag ihn hören, keiner sieht ihn an,
No one wants to hear him, no one looks at him,
Und die Hunde knurren um den alten Mann
And the dogs growl around the old man
Und er läßt es gehen, alles wie es will,
And he lets it go, all as it will,
Dreht, und seine Leier steht ihm nimmer still.
Grinds, and his organ lever stands him never still.
Wunderlicher Alter, soll ich mit dir gehn?
Strange old man, shall I go with you?
Willst zu meinen Liedern deine Leier drehn?
Do you want to my songs your organ to grind?