This edition was prepared by Alexander Reuter — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Der Wassermann op. 91 Nr. 3
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Der Wassermann op. 91 Nr. 3 by Robert Schumann — Lyrics
Es war in des Maien mildem Glanz,
Da hielten die Jungfern von Tübingen Tanz.
Sie tanzten und tanzten wohl allzumal
Um eine Linde im grünen Tal.
Ein fremder Jüngling in stolzem Kleid
Sich wandte bald zu der schönsten Maid;
Er reicht ihr dar die Hände zum Tanz,
Er setzt ihr aufs Haar einen meergrünen Kranz.
»O Jüngling! warum ist so kalt dein Arm?« –
»In Neckars Tiefen da ist's nicht warm.« –
»O Jüngling! warum ist so bleich deine Hand?« –
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About Der Wassermann op. 91 Nr. 3
Robert Schumann’s Der Wassermann depicts a charming scene of young women dancing in May, only for one to be lured away by a mysterious youth. The lyrics paint a picture of a springtime idyll shattered by the supernatural, as the youth is revealed to be a water spirit, the Wassermann, whose chilling touch transforms the maiden's joy into fear. The German text evokes a folktale atmosphere, contrasting the maiden’s initial delight with her growing dread as she is drawn towards the river. Schumann’s setting for SSAA voices captures this narrative, moving from the bright imagery of the dance to the ominous undertones of the water spirit’s embrace. This secular German part-song offers a compelling dramatic arc for an experienced choir.
