Program Notes and Translations
Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) is an oratorio composed by Joseph Haydn between 1799 and 1801. The work is divided into four parts, each corresponding to a different season, and features a rich tapestry of solos, duets, and choruses, set to a libretto by Gottfried van Swieten. It is considered one of Haydn's most remarkable compositions for voice, blending lush orchestral textures with expressive vocal lines. This duet comes from the Autumn section and is centered around a poem that celebrates the purity and beauty of sincere, uncomplicated love, untouched by wealth or superficial appearances. Lukas admires Hanne's natural beauty and unwavering integrity, while Hanne responds with the belief that true love is always genuine and unpretentious. Together, they sing of the joy and fulfillment that faithful love brings, a love so deep and enduring that even death cannot break its bond. Ihr Schönen aus der Stadt, kommt her
You beauties from the city, come here!
Lukas Ihr Schönen aus der Stadt, kommt her! Blickt an die Töchter der Natur, die weder Putz, noch Schminke ziert! Da seht mein Hannchen, seht! Ihr blüht Gesundheit auf den Wangen; im Auge lacht Zufriedenheit, und aus dem Munde spricht das Herz, wenn sie mir Liebe schwört. Hanne Ihr Herrchen süß und fein, bleibt weg! Hier schwinden eure Künste ganz, und glatte Worte wirken nicht; man gibt euch kein Gehör. Nicht Gold, nicht Pracht kann uns verblenden. Ein redlich Herz ist, was uns rührt; und meine Wünsche sind erfüllt, wenn treu mir Lukas ist. Lukas Blätter fallen ab, Früchte welken hin, Tag und Jahr vergeh'n, nur meine Liebe nicht. Hanne Schöner grünt das Blatt, süßer schmeckt die Frucht, heller glänzt der Tag, wenn deine Liebe spricht. Beide Welch ein Glück ist treue Liebe! Uns're Herzen sind vereinet; trennen kann sie Tod allein. Lukas Liebstes Hannchen!
Lukas You beauties from the city, come here! Look at the daughters of Nature, who are adorned neither with makeup nor finery! See here my Hannchen, look! She blooms with health on her cheeks; in her eyes laughter shines with contentment, and from her mouth speaks the heart, when she swears me love. Hanne Your sweet and fine master, stay away! Here your arts all vanish, and smooth words have no effect; no one listens to you. Not gold, nor splendor can deceive us. A sincere heart is what moves us; and my wishes are fulfilled, when Lukas is true to me. Lukas Leaves fall, fruits wither away, Days and years pass, but my love does not. Hanne The leaf greens more beautifully, the fruit tastes sweeter, the day shines brighter, when your love speaks. Both What a joy is faithful love! Our hearts are united; only death can part them. Lukas Dearest Hannchen!