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
Classical Music | Baritone
Franz Schubert
Fischerweise Play
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
More music by Franz Schubert
Der Wanderer an den Mond
Tränenregen, from Die schöne Müllerin
Moment musicaux, D. 780 No. 4
Erlkönig
Piano Sonata D. 958, Finale: Allegro
Sonata in B-flat Major, Op. 30, D617
Impromptu Op. 90 No. 2 in E-flat Major, D. 899
Notturno
Impromptu Op 90 N° 3
Standchen, Lieder for Flute and Piano
Performances by same musician(s)
Der Wanderer an den Mond
Das Fischermädchen
Der Einsame
Der Geistertanz
Am Flusse
An die Laute
Das Lied im Grünen
Der Liebliche Stern
Fischerlied
Lied des gefangenen Jägers
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