Franz Schubert composed his lied An die Musik (German for "To Music") in March 1817 for solo voice and piano, with text from a poem by his friend Franz von Schober. In the Deutsch catalog of Schubert's works it is number 547, or D547. It was published in 1827 as Opus 88 No. 4 by Weigl.

A hymn to the art of music, it is one of the best-known songs by Schubert. Its greatness and popularity are generally attributed to its harmonic simplicity, sweeping melody, and a strong bass line that effectively underpins the vocal line.

Contents 1 Text 2 Other 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Text

Original German	English Translation
Du holde Kunst, in wieviel grauen Stunden, Wo mich des Lebens wilder Kreis umstrickt, Hast du mein Herz zu warmer Lieb' entzünden, Hast mich in eine beßre Welt entrückt! Oft hat ein Seufzer, deiner Harf' entflossen, Ein süßer, heiliger Akkord von dir Den Himmel beßrer Zeiten mir erschlossen, Du holde Kunst, ich danke dir dafür!	Oh gracious Art, in how many grey hours, When life's fierce orbit ensnared me, Have you kindled my heart to warm love, Transfigured me into a better world! How often has a sigh escaping from your harp, A sweet, a sacred harmony of yours Thrown open the heaven of better times, Oh gracious Art, for that I thank you!

[edit] Other

At the end of Gerald Moore's farewell concert in London's Wigmore Hall in 1967, in which he accompanied Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Victoria de los Ángeles and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, he came out onto the stage alone and played the piano part of An die Musik as his parting gift.

This song is sung in unison by all of the members of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) who are present at the end of each of its national conventions.

It was also performed by Garrett Morris on Saturday Night Live on May 22, 1976.

[edit] References

Reed, John (1985). The Schubert song companion. New York: Universe Books. pp. 36–37. ISBN 0-87663-477-3. 

[edit] External links

• An die Musik: Free scores at the International Music Score Library Project.
• More information and other translations