Sung by Dale Smith

Wie bist du, meine Konigin (How gracious thou art, my Queen)

Von waldbekranzter Hohe (From forest-crowned heights)

Wenn du nur zuweilen lachelst (If but now and then thou smilest)

Brahms (1833-1907), in his song-writing, was essentially a romantic. His range was narrower than that of his fellows in greatness. He was not dramatic, as Schubert was ; he was not an inspired dreamer like Schumann ; he had nothing like the quick wit of Wolf. His favourite style was that of the sleek, honey-sweet love-song, beautiful in melody and of a fastidious musicianship. He liked also to colour with music the despairs of self-tormenting poets. His songs seldom express the love of life.

Is he less 'great' than Schubert and Schumann? Perhaps. But it must be remembered that songs were all-important with the other composers, whereas with Brahms they were a by-path among his great Symphonies, Concertos, Chamber works and Choral works.

How Gracious Thou Art is one of Brahms' most tenderly passionate love-songs. The singer declares that his beloved is fairer than any flowers that bloom. Each verse ends with a deeply expressive 'Wonderful! wonderful!'

From Forest-Crowned Heights - and from dewy flowers, from flowing streams and coursing clouds come yearning thoughts of the lost beloved.

If But Now and Then Thou Smilest - then all the burden of love disappears.