Ex. 6-4: Aus den östlichen Rosen

No. 25 from Robert Schumann's Myrthen (Myrtle, Op. 25), a song cycle composed in 1840 — his "year of song" in which he wrote around 140 lieder. Myrthen was a wedding gift for his bride Clara Wieck, presented to her on the eve of their marriage. The couple were able to marry only after winning a court case against Clara's father. He opposed the marriage, fearing it would end Clara's career as a celebrated concert pianist, and he doubted that Schumann could support her.

The poem is by Friedrich Rückert (1788–1866), originally titled Ein Gruß an die Entfernte (A Greeting to the Distant One). Schumann gave it a new title, taken from the name of Rückert's poetry collection Östliche Rosen (Eastern Roses).

The poem itself is a quiet greeting sent to a distant beloved. It begins "Ich sende einen Gruß wie Duft der Rosen" (I send a greeting like the scent of roses). The speaker holds back their own sorrow, hoping that being remembered will bring light into their lonely nights.

From the album Schumann Favourite Songs by Felicity Lott and Graham Johnson (2011)
Spotify