Franz Schubert: Das Fischermädchen (The fisher maiden)

by Svadilfari (CC)

Ah, iTunes. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I have 70+GB of music files, but it’s a MESS. Sure, my popular music is easy enough to sort, but as many before me have noted, classical music is a very different story. Over the summer, I’m going to be resorting my library (which contains over 20GB of classical selections), and I’m going to try tunequest’s method (unless anyone out there has a better suggestion!)

As I’ve been going through my library, I rediscovered Bryn Terfel’s recording of Schubert Lieder. It’s a gem of a recording, and I much prefer Terfel’s Schubert performances to almost any other baritone. I could easily feature every song on the album, but I’ll simply refer you to the album, which is available in its entirety on last.fm

As Schubert wrote over 600 songs, it’s hard to be completely well-versed. I’d never taught “Das Fischermädchen” before (The tenth song of Schwanengesang), but heard it several times at juries this semester. It’s attractive and simple, with a rocking accompaniment mirroring the rocking of the sea.

• Audio (Bryn Terfel) – last.fm
• Video (Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau) – YouTube
• Score (Vol 2, p. 24) – University of Rochester
• Text (Heinrich Heine) & Translation – recmusic.org

Franz Schubert and Carl Loewe: Erlkönig (The Erl King)

"Who rides so late through night and wind..."

One of the most iconic of German Lieder is Schubert’s setting of Goethe’s Erlkönig. It is a story of a sick child whose father carries him home by horseback. The child is terrified by the “Erl King,” who threatens to take him by will or by force. The father doesn’t believe the child, thinking the child is hallucinating.

Unfortunately, this song is far too demanding for many pianists with its rapidly repeated triplets in the right hand, and it requires a singer with some serious dramatic chops to do it justice. Carl Loewe’s setting of the same text is also extremely effective and a masterpiece in its own right. Additionally, it is a great alternative to the Schubert.

• Franz Schubert’s setting
  • Video (Bryn Terfel) – YouTube
  • Text (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) & Translation – recmusic.org
  • Score – IMSLP
• Carl Loewe’s setting
  • Video (Hermann Prey) – YouTube
  • Text (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) & Translation – recmusic.org
  • Score – artsongcentral.com

Ludwig van Beethoven: Come draw we round a cheerful ring, from Irish songs, WoO 152, No. 11

"No, Gossip Winter, snug within, we have no room for thee."

One of the hallmarks of the Irish is their love of stories, music, and community. Though not Irish, Beethoven caught the festive mood of a celebration in this catchy tune.

Beethoven wrote three sets of Irish songs for voice and string trio at the behest of Scottish folk song collector and publisher George Thomson. The songs range from quick and lively to heart-rendingly touching.

• Audio (Marjanne Kwiksilber) – last.fm
• Text (Joanna Baillie) – recmusic.org
• Article – Polley Music Library (Lincoln, NE)

As it is St. Patrick’s day, I was searching for musical scores of Irish music this morning. Since I couldn’t find the Beethoven songs, I offer instead an online volume of Sixty Irish Songs, edited by William Arms Fisher.

Franz Schubert: Der Leiermann, #24 from Winterreise, D. 911 / Op. 89

The Hurdy Gurdy Man

The haunting final song of Schubert’s song cycle Winterreise tells of a lonely street musician. The final line asks, “Curious old man, should I go with you? Will you play my songs on your box?”

• Audio (Dietrich Fischer Dieskau) – Last.fm
• Video (Jorma Hynninen) – YouTube. Der Leiermann begins 2:40 in
• Text (Wilhelm Müller) & Translation – Recmusic.org
• Score – IMSLP
• Article – Wikipedia

This song was also featured on Paul Schwartz’s album Aria 2 in 1999.