Sung by Dale Smith

The last evening of our week of Schumann is devoted to the last seven songs of the Myrthen (Myrtles) cycle.

XX. Wie kann ich froh und munter sein? (O how can I be blithe and glad?)
This is Burns' song about the bonnie lad who is 'o'er the hills and far away.'

XXI. Was will die einsame Trane? (What means the solitary tear?)
The poem, by Heine, speaks of a sorrow that cannot, like other passing griefs, be wept over and then forgotten. This sorrow is deeper and keener - love itself has departed like a breath.

XXII. Niemand. (Nobody.)
A characteristically independent pronouncement of Burns. 'I am naebody's lord,' says he, and 'I'll be slave to naebody.' 'Naebody cares for me,' is the conclusion, and so I'll care for naebody.'

XXIII. Im Westen. (In the West.)
The last Burns piece in this cycle. The maid, as she goes to rest, looks not to North, South or East, for
Far in the West lives he I lo'e best,
The lad that is dear to my babie and me.

XXIV. Du bist wie eine Blume. (How like a flower thou art.)
This is one of the three or four most popular Schumann songs. It is a sweet moment of musing upon one who is pure and fair, whose beauty arouses sweet sadness in the heart.

XXV. Aus den ostlichen Rosen. (Roses from the East.)
The words are by Ruckert. A lover sends roses to a rosy-cheeked one a message of spring to one in whose eyes lurks the joy of spring.
XXVI. Zum Schluss. (The End.)
A parting won (of Ruckert) to the 'Sister Bride,' for whom the lover has woven this imperfect garland of myrtle. Some day, in God's goodness (he ends), perfect love shall weave for her the perfect wreath.