Erich Wolfgang Korngold's 'Was Du mir bist' from 3 Songs Op.22, No. 1 (transcribed for cello by Kevin Dvorak). Brinton Averil Smith, cello. Evelyn Chen, piano.
www.brintonaverilsmith.com
From a recital of works inspired by song at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music on January 26th, 2011.
E.W. Korngold 3 Lieder, Op. 22: No. 1 (1928/29) "Was Du mir bist?"
Poem by Eleonore van der Straaten (1845-?) (trans. Harvey Smith)

Was Du mir bist? What are you to me?
Der Ausblick in ein schönes Land, The prospect of a lovely land,
Wo fruchtbelad'ne Bäume ragen, Where fruit-laden trees burst forth,
Blumen blüh'n am Quellenrand. Flowers blooming at the water's edge.

Was Du mir bist? What are you to me?
Der Sterne Funkeln, das Gewölk durchbricht, The star's shine,that breaks
through the clouds
Der ferne Lichtstrahl, der im Dunkeln spricht: The distant beam, that calls in the dark;
O Wanderer, verzage nicht! "Oh wanderer, do not despair!"

Und war mein Leben auch Entsagen, And even were my life resigned,
Glänzte mir kein froh' Geschick - Beckoned me no joyous fate.
Was Du mir bist? Kannst Du noch fragen? What you are to me? Can you ask for?
Mein Glaube an das Glück. My hope of happiness.

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