Sing Them in English is a new edition of over 200 German Lieder with new, really singable English translations of the text, as well as the original German, in the score. Nine complete song cycles (Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte, Schubert's Schoene Meullerin and Winterreise, Schumann's Heine and Eichendorff cycles, Frauenliebe und Leben and Dichterliebe, Brahms's Magelone, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen ) are followed by 40 individual songs by Schubert, 30 by Brahms, and 30 of Wolf's Moerike songs.
The goal is the essence, rather than the appearance of authenticity in Lied performance. The preface presents the case for the use of translations: very few Americans can follow text sung in German, but listeners must grasp their meaning, intellectually and emotionally, to understand and enjoy the music. This is what the composers expected and actively promoted.
The new English versions fill a need felt by professional as well as amateur singers, teachers, and students in conservatories and high schools, and will win for these highlights of vocal literature a much wider and more appreciative public.
The goal is the essence, rather than the appearance of authenticity in Lied performance. The preface presents the case for the use of translations: very few Americans can follow text sung in German, but listeners must grasp their meaning, intellectually and emotionally, to understand and enjoy the music. This is what the composers expected and actively promoted.
The new English versions fill a need felt by professional as well as amateur singers, teachers, and students in conservatories and high schools, and will win for these highlights of vocal literature a much wider and more appreciative public.
