Lachen und Weinen explained

"Lachen und Weinen" (Laughing and Weeping) is a Lied composed by Franz Schubert in 1822 and published in 1826. It is D. 777 in Otto Erich Deutsch's catalog. The text is from Friedrich Rückert's collection of poems, German: Östliche Rosen (Eastern Roses), which was highly influenced by the poetry of the Persian poet Hafis. The poem was untitled in the collection, so Schubert named it after the beginning words.

The tempo marking is German: Etwas geschwind (Somewhat fast). Throughout the song, major and minor tonal fluctuations between A-flat major and A-flat minor reflect Schubert's impression of the meanings of the words.[1]

Text

Lachen und Weinen zu jeglicher StundeRuht bei der Lieb auf so mancherlei Grunde.Morgens lacht' ich vor Lust;Und warum ich nun weineBei des Abendes Scheine,Ist mir selb' nicht bewusst.

Weinen und Lachen zu jeglicher StundeRuht bei der Lieb auf so mancherlei Grunde.Abends weint' ich vor Schmerz;Und warum du erwachenKannst am Morgen mit Lachen,Muss ich dich fragen, o Herz.[2] Laughter and tears at any hourRest on love in so many waysIn the morning I laugh for joy;And why I now weepIn the evening glow,Is something unknown to me.

Tears and laughter at any hourRest on love in so many waysIn the evening I weep for sorrowsAnd why you can awakeIn the morning with laughter,I must ask you, o heart.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Graham Johnson. Graham Johnson (musician). 2000. Lachen und Weinen, D777. 20 April 2024. Geraldine McGreevy (soprano), Graham Johnson (piano). Hyperion Records. The Hyperion Schubert Edition, vol. 35. CDJ33035.
  2. Saya, Virginia, and Richard Walters (eds.) The Lieder Anthology. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Hal Leonard, 2003. 164–167.