Tuesday 5 December 2017
Tune of the Day: Du bist wie eine Blume
by Schumann, transcribed for flute and piano
Published in 1840, Robert Schumann's song cycle Myrthen, Op. 25, is dedicated to the composer's wife, Clara. The 26 songs included were presented to her on the occasion of their wedding. Myrthen, or myrtles, are European evergreen shrubs with white or rosy flowers that are often used to make bridal wreaths.
The 24th piece of the cycle, “Du bist wie eine Blume” (“You are like a flower”), sets to music a sweet short poem by Heinrich Heine:
You are just like a flower
So fair and pure and dear;
Looking at you, sweet sadness
Invades my heart with fear.
I feel I should be folding
My hands upon your hair,
Praying that God may keep you
So dear and pure and fair.