"Geistliches Wiegenlied" is the second song from Brahms Op. 91, two songs for alto, viola and piano. See my earlier video of the first song "Gestillte Sehnsucht". The original version of the poem is by the Spanish Renaissance poet, Lope de Vega, and was adapted into German by Emanuel von Geibel. In setting this poem, Brahms chose a very novel approach. He actually created a song setting of two poems, in dialogue with one another. Geibels poem is sung by the alto while the viola sings an old folk melody that is very familiar. It is the Christmas carol, "Josef lieber Josef mein". The melody of this carol is played on the viola; the words are never heard. This song might seem on first hearing to be simply a lullaby for the baby Jesus. However, by the third stanza there is a change in mood and text that brings a different meaning to light. It is no longer the infant Jesus but rather the crucified Christ who is referred to and the sleep is the sleep that is beyond all care. Geistliches Wiegenlied Die ihr schwebet Um diese Palmen In Nacht und Wind, Ihr heilgen Engel, Stillet die Wipfel! Es schlummert mein Kind. Ihr Palmen von Bethlehem Im Windesbrausen, Wie mögt ihr heute So zornig sausen! O rauscht nicht also! Schweiget, neiget Euch leis und lind; Stillet die Wipfel! Es schlummert mein Kind. Der Himmelsknabe Duldet Beschwerde, Ach, wie so müd er ward Vom Leid der Erde. Ach nun im Schlaf ihm Leise gesänftigt Die Qual zerrinnt, Stillet die Wipfel! Es schlummert mein Kind ...
Keywords: classical, Lieder, Johannes, Brahms, Geistliches, Wiegenlied, Janet, Baker, Christmas
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