This edition was prepared by Nikolaus Hold — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Der schwermütige Schäfer
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Der schwermütige Schäfer by Carl Thiel — Lyrics
1. O grüne Wälderlein,
o Myrtensträuchelein,
o kühle Brünnelein,
kristallne Bächelein,
o grüne Wieselein,
o schöne Blümelein!
O Felsenkluft, o Berg und Tal,
o Echo, treuer Wiederhall,
o Pan, o Schäf'r und Schäferin,
seht doch, wie ich so elend bin,
der grimmig Tod mich greifet an!
O helfet, wer da helfen kann!
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About Der schwermütige Schäfer
Carl Thiel’s Der schwermütige Schäfer (The Melancholy Shepherd) is a secular SATB partsong for mixed choir. The German text expresses the deep sorrow of a shepherd lamenting his unrequited love. He appeals to nature, mythical figures, and even Death itself for help, overwhelmed by his despair. The second part of the text broadens this lament to encompass all aspects of life and emotion, from true love and hope to fear and heartache, contrasting joy with anguish. The composer sets these contrasting sentiments with a rich harmonic language and dynamic contrasts, painting a vivid musical picture of the shepherd’s profound suffering and his plea for relief.
