Allegro Assai
C.P.E.Bach Lyrics

In the song "Allegro assai" by C.P.E. Bach, the lyrics are imbued with a sense of longing and love, carried on the gentle imagery of nature. The opening lines depict "Leichte Segler in den Höhen," or light sailboats in the heights, which serve as a metaphor for freedom and beauty soaring against the sky. The presence of the "Bächlein klein und schmal," a small and narrow stream, suggests intimacy and gentleness, emphasizing the relationship between the singer's feelings and the natural landscape. The contrast between the expansive sky and the small stream mirrors the vastness of the singer's emotions and longing for their beloved. The repeated request to greet the beloved "viel tausendmal" establishes a tone of devotion and admiration, as the singer hopes for some connection to the object of their affection, even from afar.

As the lyrics progress, the poet addresses the clouds and the serene valley, creating a dialogue with nature that reflects their inner thoughts and feelings. The line "Seht ihr, Wolken, sie dann gehen Sinnend in dem stillen Tal," suggests a sense of contemplation and peace as the beloved walks through a tranquil landscape. This imagery intertwined with the elements of nature allows for a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape the singer navigates. The wish for their image to "entstehen in dem luft'gen Himmelssaal," or appear in the airy hall of the sky, adds a fantastical dimension to their love. It speaks to the desire to be seen and remembered, evoking an ethereal quality that elevates the bond between the singer and their beloved, as if their love is meant to transcend earthly limitations and exist in the realm of dreams.

The third stanza introduces a shift toward melancholy, as the singer reflects on the seasonal changes represented by autumn. The imagery of the "Büschen" that are "herbstlich falb und kahl" underscores a sense of loss and longing that accompanies the changing seasons. The singer's plea for the birds to "klagt ihr, wie mir ist geschehen" signifies a desire for nature to empathize with their heartache. The lamentation that resonates through this stanza reflects the poignant pain of unreciprocated love or absence. Nature, once a source of beauty, now becomes a mirror for the singer’s sorrow, reinforcing the deep emotional impact that love can have.

In the final stanza, the elements continue to facilitate the singer's communication of yearning and desire. The "Stille Weste," or gentle west wind, is personified to carry the singer's sighs toward their beloved, symbolizing hope and a longing for connection. The contrast between the transient nature of the sighs and "der Sonne letzter Strahl," or the last rays of the sun, echoes the fleeting nature of love and time. The singer’s wish for the stream to convey their tears, described as "Tränen ohne Zahl," musters an image of vulnerability and heartache. The culmination of these expressions illustrates the singer's profound emotional state—a blend of longing, desire, pain, and hope—imbuing the lyrics with an evocative resonance that captures the essence of unfulfilled love in the interplay between the heart and the natural world.