Schumann- Liederkreis, Op. 24 - II. Es treibt mich hin

Schumann- Liederkreis, Op. 24 - II. Es treibt mich hin

this piece starts with what seems like to be a fast two measure intro that is reintroduced multiple times throughout the whole song. Each period seems to start with it and then develope more and more each time as the song goes on.... the voice part somewhat traces a little outline of it then goes on to a new musical idea and the piano part is very minimal. It is quite interesting how Schumann uses these dramatic shifts in tempo, dynamics, texture to get the character of the piece to come alive.

I'm driven here, I'm driven there! -fast, louder
In only a few more hours I will see her, -slower and softer
she herself, the fairest of fair young women; - -" "
you true heart, how heavily you pound! -Fast, louder
But the hours are lazy people! -slower and softer
They drag themselves comfortably and sluggishly, -" "
creeping with yawns along their paths; - -" "
rouse yourself, you lazy fool! -fast, louder
A charging hurry seizes and drives me! -fast, louder
But the Hours have never been in love; -slower, softer
sworn secretly to cruel conspiracy, -slower, softer
they mock treacherously the lover's haste. -fast, pick up the tempo for the ending

It's very interesting to look at then english text and really see how well Schumann matching the music up with the emotional aspects of the poetry. The part I love the most is when the vocalist sings but the hours are lazy people! The drag themselves comfortably and sluggishly, creeping with yawns along their paths.... this section really feels like a very tired, heavy pace...really showing how the hours are just dragging by and not flying by. Nothing short of amazing..i love it all.... :)