Die beste Zeit (Robert Franz)
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- Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2020-01-13). Score information: A4, 6 pages, 104 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes: Transposed down a semitone from the source. The last few bars of Soprano and Alto have been rearranged to avoid high Alto notes. MusicXML source file(s) in compressed .mxl format.
General Information
German Title: Die beste Zeit
English Title: The fairest time
Work: Sechs Lieder für gemischten Chor, Op.24
Composer: Robert Franz
Lyricist: Martin Luther
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Partsong
Language: English
Instruments: Piano
First published: 1856 Leipzig: F. Whistling
2nd published: 1875 in Novello's Part-Song Book (2nd series), Vol. 12, no. 336
Description: Translated from the German of Martin Luther by John Troutbeck. 6 Lieder für gemischten Chor Op.24, no.3.
External websites:
Original text and translations
Original text and translations may be found at Die beste Zeit im Jahr ist mein (Arnold Mendelssohn).
English text
The fairest time in all the year
Is when the songs of birds we hear,
Songs that are filling earth and sky,
Thick-warbled notes, far off and nigh.
And chief the charming nightingale,
With new delight inspires the vale
That hears her sweet and lovely lay.
To her unceasing thanks we pay:
Much more to God our gracious Lord,
At whose bidding are outpoured
The matchless notes from her that fall,
The singer first, and best of all.
Singing and praising day and night,
She thinks her welcome labour light:
Thus I would song and praise outpour,
And thank my God for evermore.
Translation by John Troutbeck