Music and Texts of GARY BACHLUND
Vocal Music | Piano | Organ | Chamber Music | Orchestral | Articles and Commentary | Poems and Stories | Miscellany | FAQs
An meinen Lehrer - (2009)
Joachim Ringelnatz
for baritone and piano
Ich war nicht einer deiner guten Jungen.
An meinem Jugendtrotz ist mancher Rat
Und manches wohlgedachte Wort zersprungen.
Nun sieht der Mann, was einst der Knabe tat.
Doch hast du, alter Meister, nicht vergebens
An meinem Bau geformt und dich gemüht.
Du hast die besten Werte meines Lebens
Mit heißen Worten mir ins Herz geglüht.
Verzeih, wenn ich das Alte nicht bereue.
Ich will mich heut wie einst vor dir nicht bücken.
Doch möcht ich dir für deine Lehretreue
Nur einmal dankbar, stumm die Hände drücken.
[ 3 pages, circa 3' 00" ]
Joachim Ringelnatz
I was not one of your better boys.
Over my youthful defiance were much advice
And many well-meant words shattered.
Now see the man, who once was that one.
But you, old master, have nothing to forgive
For forming and struggling with me.
The finest values of my life
Because of your impassioned words fire my heart.
Forgive me, for I regret my foolishness.
Today I would bow as never before had I bowed.
And for your sincerity as my teacher
I shall now be thankful, and silently clasp your hands in mine.
(from Gedichte, 1910)
The three strophes are treated as three verses, rather like a hymn form. Two large statements and a long arched answer comprise the verse's setting.
The second verse is only slightly extended as the ii chord accompanies the opening word of the third verse, and stresses its meaning with a second striking of G sharp minor. Thereby the third verse's text and overarching intent of the song is announced.
The last verse amends the final statement, extending it into a final cadence, as the repetitions of this apology are given and the setting's final Tierce de Picardy allows that such an apology has been accepted within the larger reality of life.
The score for An meinen Lehrer is available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this piano-vocal score.
