Schubert: Die Forelle (The Trout) . Thomas Cooley, tenor; Eric Zivian, fortepiano (original) 8K

Franz Schubert’s epic tale of the trout, sung by Thomas Cooley, tenor, with Eric Zivian on an original 19th-century fortepiano. 8K video from our “Evening in Vienna“ concert, February 18, 2024. In the celebrated “Die Forelle” (“The Trout”), listen for the quicksilver piano at the opening, which reflects both the elegance of the fish’s movements and the narrator’s joy at seeing such a beautiful creature. Of course, the episodes depicted in Romantic poetry are never uniformly happy, and the fish’s fortune turns when an angler arrives on the scene. This work is presented here for the first time in 8K UHD video. Text and translation In einem Bächlein helle, Da schoß in froher Eil’ Die launische Forelle Vorüber wie ein Pfeil. Ich stand an dem Gestade Und sah in süßer Ruh Des muntern Fischleins Bade Im klaren Bächlein zu. Ein Fischer mit der Rute Wohl an dem Ufer stand, Und sah’s mit kaltem Blute, Wie sich das Fischlein wand. So lang dem Wasser Helle, So dacht ich, nicht gebricht, So fängt er die Forelle Mit seiner Angel nicht. Doch endlich ward dem Diebe Die Zeit zu lang. Er macht Das Bächlein tückisch trübe, Und eh ich es gedacht, So zuckte seine Rute, Das Fischlein zappelt dran, Und ich mit regem Blute Sah die Betrogene an. --Christian Schubart In a clear brooklet there shot by in joyous haste the capricious trout like an arrow. I stood on the bank in blissful peace, watching the lively fish swim in the clear brook. A fisherman with his rod stood on the bank cold-bloodedly watching the fish’s twists and turns. As long as the water remains so clear, I thought, he won’t catch the trout with his rod. But at last the thief grew impatient. Cunningly he made the brook cloudy, and before I realized it his rod twitched, and the fish struggled on it. And I, my blood boiling, looked on at the deceived creature. Translation by Hanneke van Proosdij and David Tayler Voices of Music Hanneke van Proosdij and David Tayler, directors Produced by Hanneke van Proosdij and David Tayler Video: Lloyd Hryciw and David Tayler Audio and ambisonics: Boby Borisov Post Production: David Tayler Notes: Sophie Benn Lied by Franz Schubert #trout