Music and Texts of GARY BACHLUND
Vocal Music | Piano | Organ | Chamber Music | Orchestral | Articles and Commentary | Poems and Stories | Miscellany | FAQs
Zur Ruh', zur Ruh' - (2012)
Justinus Kerner
for medium or low voice and piano
Zur Ruh', zur Ruh',
Ihr müden Glieder!
Schließt fest euch zu,
Ihr Augenlider!
Ich bin allein,
Fort ist die Erde;
Nacht muß es sein,
Daß Licht mir werde.
O führt mich ganz,
Ihr innern Mächte!
Hin zu dem Glanz
Der tiefsten Nächte.
Fort aus dem Raum
Der Erdenschmerzen,
Durch Nacht und Traum
Zum Mutterherzen!2 pages, circa 2' 00"
Justinus Kerner
To sleep, to sleep
To sleep, to sleep, you exhausted limbs!
Close fast, you eyelids!
I am alone, the world has gone on without me;
It must be night that becomes my lantern;
O guide me well, inner powers!
to the splendour of deepest night -
out of the realm of earthly pain
through night and dream to the heart of life!
Translation from German to English copyright © by Emily Ezust, of The Lied, Art Song, and Choral Texts Archive.
This is a simple, two-verse song form, the accompaniment repeating a harmonic progression twice within each verse. A small introduction and bridge serve for variety and the vocal range is as limited as to allow any voice type to sing it.
The score 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.
