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From: "uri liebrecht" <[log in to unmask]>
A Key into the 3rd Dimension of German Song
URiTEXT, a database of translations of mainly German poems which have
been set as texts to songs.
www.uritext.co.uk
There is, it has to be admitted, an element of complacency when it
comes to listening to songs in a language we do not master. We
appreciate the music, admire the performance but largely ignore the
third dimension, the text.
Concert programmes and CD booklets go some way in an attempt to remedy
this by printing a form of literal translation of the original words.
It is, though, hardly an adequate response to the issue.
The poem preceded the music. That realisation is key to appreciating
Lieder and other forms of art song. The poem it was that in some
measure `inspired´ the composer. The poem in most cases determined the
form and development of the music. The poem consists of more than a
sequence of words. A greater awareness, therefore, of what it was that
the composer found in the poem, what attracted his/her notice, should
be an important element of the enjoyment of a song.
Several very famous singers have insisted that the listener does not
need a knowledge of the words; such is their artistry, they proclaim,
that the meaning is fully conveyed. However, I would suggest that when
we listen to a song sung in our own language, comprehension of the
text, the third dimension, adds a depth of appreciation which we would
not willingly forego.
Translation, especially of poetry, is an inexact science, to say the
least. However, I have made the attempt to translate poems which have
been set as song texts in the hope that this might provide the reader
with a key to a deeper appreciation of the experience of listening to
songs.
My translations I regard not as entities in themselves, rather as
interpretations of the poems, and I approach the task in much the same
way as when playing a piece of music; conveying my response to the
poetry (deciphering the black marks on the paper) as faithfully as the
limits of technique and understanding allow.
I hope that you will visit www.uritext.co.uk
Uri Liebrecht
198 Walm Lane
London NW2 3BP
T&F 020 8450 5002
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www.uritext.co.uk
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