Description

These melodies provide boundless joy, and when, as frequently occurs, this elegantly refined artistry is ignited by the warmth of personal feeling, the outcomes are of the utmost and most enduring significance." — Grove's Dictionary

Brahms' talent for melody and sincere emotional connection to poetry resulted in some of the greatest German songs, rivaling and sometimes exceeding Schubert in lyrical beauty. Regular performances and recordings of these pieces consistently demonstrate Brahms's enduring impact in this field, highlighting the necessity for genuine, readily available printed music. The best complete musical edition of Brahms, issued by Breitkopf & Härtel (the publisher for whom Brahms served as an editor), is presented here — the definitive texts accompanied by fresh translations of the lyrics.

This volume (Series III of the complete Dover Brahms songs, released in four volumes) features Stanley Appelbaum's fresh literal prose translations of 64 songs initially published from 1877 to 1886. Included in these esteemed creations are popular pieces like "Geheimnis," "Alte Liebe," and "Vergebliches Stänhchen." Brahms drew inspiration primarily from German poets, yet his rhythms and melodies frequently mirror his intricate personality instead of the traditional German folk-song style promoted by his "nationalistic" composer peers.

Along with the lyrics, a translation of the initial editor's remarks has been added, along with updated lists of titles, opening lines, and poets. In this edition, one can enjoy, perform, and sing Brahms's lieder from clear notation, printed on opaque paper with ample margins, designed for durability on the music stand. Nowhere else can musicians, students, and classical music enthusiasts find the exceptional works of Brahms at such an affordable price and unmatched quality of design and reproduction.