This edition was prepared by Christoph Lahme — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Der Mann, WoO 31, No. 5
Staff Notation • Secular, Lieder
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Der Mann, WoO 31, No. 5 by Johannes Brahms — Lyrics
1. Wille wille will, der Mann ist kommen,
wille wille will, was bracht’ er dann?
Wille wille will, viel Zuckerwaffeln,
wille wille will, die ’s Kindelein soll han!
2. Wille wille will, der Mann ist kommen,
wille wille will, was bringt er mehr?
Wille wille will, gar hübsche Sachen,
wille wille will, die Taschen sind ihm schwer!
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About Der Mann, WoO 31, No. 5
Johannes Brahms' Der Mann, WoO 31, No. 5 is a charming example of the German Lied. Set for solo high voice, this secular song captures a lighthearted, almost nursery-rhyme-like mood. The text playfully describes a visitor arriving with gifts for a child, including waffles and other 'pretty things' that make his pockets heavy. The final stanza offers a humorous twist as the visitor, hearing a child's cry, seems to decide to give a rattle to whoever wants it most. The vocal line, accompanied by piano, requires a singer to navigate its simple yet expressive melodic contours, conveying the text's gentle wit and childlike innocence. It's a delightful miniature that showcases Brahms's ability to create engaging miniatures within the Lieder tradition.
