Maimorgen - (2016)    

Christian Morgenstern

for soprano and harp

 

So mag sich wieder blinde Nacht
zum reinsten Morgen klären,
sich Lebensglück aus Lebensmacht
in neuem Glanz gebären.

Der Nebel flieht, als ob er Ried
und Wald auf ewig flöhe,
und meine Seele ist das Lied
der Lerchen in der Höhe.

3 pages, circa 3' 45"

 

 

Blind night yields its time again
To morning, clear and bright,
Life's force turns life's fortunes
Toward new brilliance, born of light.

Fog flees, as it ever floods
Over reeds and woodlands wide:
My soul becomes the song of May
Which larks' songs prophesied.

 

rhymed paraphrase by the composer

 

 

The setting treats the first stanza of the poem lyrically, and the second with bisbigliando gestures and colors in the harp like a measured recitative, returning to the opening and thereafter to a short coda, repeating the title, "Maimorgen" as a portion of the sung text.

 

 

 

The score for Maimorgen 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 harp-vocal score.

 

Maimorgen