Du bist die Ruh: 6 Facts

1. “Du bist die Ruh” is a German art song.

In the U.S., a song in the broad category of classical music is called an art song. If the song is in the German language, it might be called a “lieder,” which is German for “songs.” More properly, a single song would be a “lied.”

2. The lyrics of “Du bist die Ruh” are a poem.

In other words, Friedrich Rückert wrote a poem. Later, Franz Schubert wrote music for the poem. This is different from when one person writes words intending them to be the lyrics of a song and someone else writes music for those lyrics.

3. “Du bist die Ruh” was first published in 1826.

It is believed it was composed three years earlier in 1823. On the free internet, I was unable to find out why there was a delay in publication. Perhaps it was as mundane as that there was no reason for Schubert to publish it immediately. 

4. “Du bist die Ruh” is a standard for student and professional singers.

There are some songs, like this one, that a singer learns as a student, but continues to work on +throughout their life. Songs like this are simple enough to use as a learning piece, but also complex enough to challenge the most accomplished musician. 

5. “Du bist die Ruh” has been arranged for male and female voices.

You can hear basses, tenors, altos, and sopranos sing this song. 

6. There is no clear object of the song’s text.

For some songs, the lyrics make it clear that the text is addressed to a romantic interest or some other obvious recipient. In others, the history of the composer suggests who the lyrics are intended to address. In “Du bist die Ruh,” there is no such clarity. 

Some interpreters think the poem is erotic, but in the oblique way that would have been accepted by polite society in the 1800s.