O For The Wings Of A Dove
(Felix Mendelssohn)
O For The Wings Of A Dove
by Felix Mendelssohn
“ O For The Wings Of A Dove ” is a part of an anthem Hear My Prayer (German: Hör’ mein Bitten) for soprano solo, chorus (SATB) and organ or orchestra composed by Felix Mendelssohn in Germany in 1844. The first performance took place in Crosby Hall, London, on 8 January 1845. The accompanist on that occasion was organist, composer and teacher Ann Mounsey (1811–1891). She later married the librettist of the work, William Bartholomew (1793–1867), who also collaborated with Mendelssohn on his oratorio Elijah (German: Elias). The anthem is particularly well known through the recording made in 1927 by treble Ernest Lough.
Lyrics
O For The Wings Of A Dove
(English – Translation)
Far away, far away would I rove!
Oh, for the wings, for the wings of a dove,
Far away, far away, far away, far away would I rove!
In the wilderness build me a nest,
And remain there forever at rest
In the wilderness build me, build me a nest,
And remain there forever at rest
(German – Original)
O könnt’ ich fliegen wie Tauben dahin,
weit hinweg vor dem Feinde zu flieh’n!
O könnt’ ich fliegen wie Tauben dahin,
weit hinweg vor dem Feinde zu flieh’n!
in die Wüste eilt’ ich dann fort,
fände Ruhe am schattigen Ort.
in die Wüste eilt’ ich dann fort,
fände Ruhe am schattigen Ort.
Songwriters: Felix Mendelssohn / William Bartholomew
