Saturday 3 February 2018
Tune of the Day: Freisinn
by Schumann, transcribed for flute and piano
Published in 1840, Robert Schumann's song cycle Myrthen, Op. 25, is dedicated to the composer's wife, Clara. The 26 songs included were presented to her on the occasion of their wedding. Myrthen, or myrtles, are European evergreen shrubs with white or rosy flowers that are often used to make bridal wreaths.
The second piece of the cycle, “Freisinn” (“Free Spirit”), sets to music a poem by Goethe.
Just let me show what I can do in the saddle!
You can stay in your huts and your tents!
And I ride joyously into the boundless distance,
with only the stars above my cap.