Robert Alexander Schumann (1810-1856) «Erstes Grün» («Du junges Grün, du frisches Gras!»), song for voice & piano, Op. 35/4, 1840
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (1925-2012), Wolfgang Sawallisch (1923-2013), 1974
Du junges Grün, du frisches Gras!
Wie manches Herz durch dich genas,
Das von des Winters Schnee erkrankt,
O wie mein Herz nach dir verlangt!
Schon brichst du aus der Erde Nacht,
Wie dir mein Aug’ entgegen lacht!
Hier in des Waldes stillem Grund
Drück’ ich dich, Grün, an Herz und Mund.
Wie treibt’s mich von den Menschen fort!
Mein Leid, das hebt kein Menschenwort,
Nur junges Grün ans Herz gelegt,
Macht, daß mein Herze stiller schlägt.
by Justinus (Andreas Christian) Kerner (1786 – 1862) , «Frühlingskur», from Die lyrischen Gedichte
Like so many of Robert Schumann’s songs of 1840, «Erstes Grün,» Op. 35/4 (First Green), is best known for its piano part, most specifically for its characteristic preludes that contrast both Kerner’s text and the minor mode of the vocal stanzas. Originally named «Frühlingskur» (Taking the Spring Cure), Schumann chose to create a less medicinal title for his setting. This delicate and sustained song of longing and celebration welcomes the arrival of spring greens that heal a heart made ill by humankind and the barren winter. It simultaneously reveals both the poet and composer’s deep love of nature. Marked «Einfach» (simply), its third verse of the vocal line is a slight variation of the first two, which are melodically identical. The song contains ritardando markings and a humble G minor melody, reminiscent of Schubert. This work and its succeeding song, «Sehnsucht nach der Waldgegend,» Op. 35/5, stretch the technical expertise of the pianist in much the same way. «Erstes Grün» is frequently recorded with all of its accompanying songs of Zwölf Gedichte, Op. 35.
