Schubert: Nocturne (Marcus Farnsworth)

When mist spreads over the mountains,
and Luna battles with the clouds,
the old man takes up his harp, and steps
into the forest, singing softly:
‘O holy night!
Soon it shall be done.
Soon I shall sleep
the long sleep,
Der mich erlöst that shall free me
from all affliction.
Then the green trees will rustle:
sleep well, good old man;
the swaying grass will whisper:
we will cover his resting place;
and many a sweet bird will call:
O let him rest in his grassy grave!’ –
The old man listens, the old man is silent –
death has inclined towards him.

Tags

Wigmore Hall, Song Competition, and Marcus Farnsworth