Du bist die Ruh, D. 776 by Franz Schubert (transcribed by Franz Liszt)

Of the some-600 lieder that Schubert composed, Du bist die Ruh ('You are repose') is one of his most peaceful and beloved tunes. Originally written for voice and piano, Liszt's transcription is faithful to the tranquility of Schubert's original score, but each repeated verse is accompanied by an ever-climbing, heavenly tapestry that circles around the undisturbed melody.

The poetry set by Schubert is by Friedrich Rückert;

Du bist die Ruh,

Der Friede mild,

Die Sehnsucht du,

Und was sie stillt.

Ich weihe dir

Voll Lust und Schmerz

Zur Wohnung hier

Mein Aug’ und Herz.

Kehr’ ein bei mir,

Und schliesse du

Still hinter dir

Die Pforten zu.

Treib andern Schmerz

Aus dieser Brust.

Voll sei dies Herz

Von deiner Lust.

Dies Augenzelt

Von deinem Glanz

Allein erhellt,

O füll’ es ganz.

An English translation by Richard Wigmore:

You are repose

and gentle peace.

You are longing

and what stills it.

Full of joy and grief

I consecrate to you

my eyes and my heart

as a dwelling place.

Come in to me

and softly close

the gate

behind you.

Drive all other grief

from my breast.

Let my heart

be full of your joy.

The temple of my eyes

is lit

by your radiance alone:

O, fill it wholly!

(Translation © Richard Wigmore, author of Schubert: The Complete Song Texts, published by Schirmer Books, provided courtesy of Oxford Lieder; www.oxfordlieder.co.uk)