This edition was prepared by Nikolaus Hold — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Herbstleid
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Herbstleid by Philipp Lewalter — Lyrics
1. Das Vöglein in dem Baum,
es singt so leis, so leise
vor seiner weiten Reise,
du hörst das Liedchen kaum:
Ade, ade, ade!
2. Blaublümlein an dem Rain,
es neigt sein Haupt, das süße,
und tausend Scheidegrüße
umflüstern dich im Hain:
Ade, ade, ade!
3. Die graue kahle Flur,
die müde braune Heide,
der Wald im fahlen Kleide,
ein banges Mahnen nur:
Ade, ade, ade!
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About Herbstleid
Philipp Lewalter's Herbstleid for SATB is a secular German part-song, its title hinting at a melancholy autumn theme. The music opens with gentle, imitative textures that evoke the quiet, almost imperceptible song of a bird before its long journey. The German text moves from observations of nature – a bird singing softly, a flower bowing its head – to the pang of parting. The composer captures this sentiment through expressive harmonies and vocal writing. The piece reflects on the bittersweet nature of farewell, but ultimately offers a hopeful message of renewal, suggesting that spring will follow winter's short sorrow, and encouraging the listener to let go of sadness.
