Day 13 — Cäcilie

Heinrich Hart’s poem ‘Cäcilie’ was written for his wife, so it proved a fitting inclusion in the Op. 27 songs, Strauss’s wedding present to Pauline. Although the mood is one of rapt celebration, Strauss and Hart chart life’s complexities in this brief but stirring song. The promise of 'ardent kisses' gives way to stormy nights and Strauss's flowing accompaniment takes a turn towards the darker end of the harmonic palette. But after doubt and sorrow comes God-given devotion and Strauss ends his setting in wonderfully heroic terms, emphatically bidding the loved one to come and live 'mit mir'.

Click here to listen to Margaret Price singing ‘Cäcilie’.
The painting is 'Giulia Leonardi' by Ferdinand Hodler.

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