This edition was prepared by Robert Urmann — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Es waren zwei Königskinder
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Es waren zwei Königskinder by Max Reger — Lyrics
1. Es waren zwei Königskinder,
Die hatten einander so lieb,
Sie konnten zusammen nicht kommen,
Das Wasser war viel zu tief.
2. "O liebster, kannst du nicht schwimmen?
So schwimme doch her zu mir!
Drei Kerzen will ich dir anzünden,
Und die sollen leuchten dir."
3. Das hört eine falsche Nonne,
Die tat, als wenn sie schlief.
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About Es waren zwei Königskinder
This German part-song by Max Reger sets a well-known folk ballad. It tells the tragic story of two royal children who loved each other but could not be together because the water was too deep. Despite the maiden's plea for her love to swim to her, a false nun extinguishes the candles she lit, leading to his drowning. A fisherman finds the body, and the maiden takes him in her arms, lamenting that they will never see each other again. Reger's setting for SATB choir, with the option for divisi in the soprano and alto parts, masterfully captures the poignancy and sorrow of this timeless narrative, making it a powerful choice for a concert program.
