Classical Music | Baritone

Recorded on 10/12/2004, uploaded on 01/21/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Judging from Schubert's remarkable Lieder output, it is obvious that he had a strong fascination for the water—be it, the sea, lakes or bubbling streams. Among his many "water songs" are also those about the fisherman and his trade. Most famous among them being Die Forelle ("The Trout"). One of the lesser-knowns, though no less artistic, is Fischerweise. Composed in March 1826, it sets the words of Schubert's friend, Franz Schlecta. The narrator of the poem is a fisherman, singing his song of simple happiness as he goes about his trade. A simple, tremolo-like accompaniment invokes the aquatic imagery while a rolling bass punctuates the otherwise peaceful scene, much in the way a fish may disturb the surface of the water. The song is almost entirely strophic with only a slight variation in the final stanza where Schlecta scolds the shepherdess who attempts to catch the fish by trickery.       Joseph DuBose

Fischerweise

Den Fischer fechten Sorgen

Und Gram und Leid nicht an;     

Er löst am frühen Morgen

Mit leichtem Sinn den Kahn.

Da lagert rings noch Friede

Auf allen Flur und Bach,

Er ruft mit seinem Liede

Die gold'ne Sonne wach.

Er singt zu seinem Werke

Aus voller frischer Brust,

Die Arbeit gibt ihm Stärke,

Die Stärke Lebenslust.

In allen Tiefen laut

Und plätschert durch den Himmel,

Der sich im Wasser baut.

Doch wer ein Netz will stellen,

Braucht Augen klar und gut,

Muß heiter gleich den Wellen

Und frei sein wie die Flut.

Dort angelt auf der Brücke

Die Hirtin. Schlauer Wicht,

Gib auf nur deine Tücke,

Den Fisch betrügst du nicht.

--Franz Xaver von Schlechta

Fisherman's Ditty

The fisherman is not bothered

by cares, grief or sorrow.

In the early morning he launches

his boat with a light heart.

All around, peacefulness lies

over forest, meadow and brook,

and with his song the fisherman

bids the golden sun awake.

He sings while he works

from a full, vigorous heart.

His work gives him strength,

his strength exhilarates him.

Bald wird ein bunt Gewimmel

Soon a bright throng

will stir in the depths

and splash

through the watery heavens.

But whoever wishes to cast his net

needs good, clear eyes,

must be as cheerful as the waves,

and as free as the tide.

There, on the bridge, the shepherdess

is fishing, cunning wench!

Give up your tricks!

You won't deceive this fish!

--Franz Xaver von Schlechta

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.