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.

Ludwig van Beethoven: Adelaide, op. 46

"Deutlich schimmert auf jedem Purpurblättchen: Adelaide"

Beethoven captures a lover’s longing for his muse named Adelaide in this masterpiece typically performed by tenors.

• Audio (Jussi Björling) – Last.fm
• Text (Friedrich von Matthison) & Translation – Recmusic.org
• Score – artsongcentral.com
• Article – Wikipedia