Details of his early life are sparse, as is common for composers of the time. He was born in Zittau, and possibly studied with Christoph Demantius there, and also later with Adamus Gumpelzhaimer in Augsburg. By 1601 he was in Nuremberg, as a music teacher; there he met Hans Leo Hassler, and learned from him both the Venetian polychoral style and the polyphonic style of the high Renaissance, both of which he incorporated into his own composition.
In 1602 he took a position as Kapellmeister in Coburg to Prince Johann Casimir, and he remained in Coburg for the rest of his life. For the earlier portion of this time, the situation was ideal for him; he was supported by his patron, and had the resources necessary to carry on his composing. Yet in the course of the ensuing Thirty Years' War Franck lost his family, his employer and salary - he retained his post at the court in name only. Franck's plight and poverty is documented in three harrowing letters addressed to the municipality of Coburg, written shortly before his death. He left behind avast oeuvre of around 600 works.
O Tannenbaum
Melchior Franck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wie treu sind deine Blätter
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein, auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie grün sind deine Blätter.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren.
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit,
Gibt Trost und Kraft zu jeder Zeit!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Das will dein Kleid mich lehren.
The song O Tannenbaum, also known as "O Christmas Tree," is a German Christmas carol that has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The opening line of the first verse, "O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, wie treu sind deine Blätter," translates to "O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how faithful are thy branches." The song celebrates the beauty and steadfastness of the evergreen tree, which remains green even during the cold and barren winter months.
The lyrics of the song also convey a sense of nostalgia and sentimentalism, as the singer reflects on the fond memories of Christmases past when a Christmas tree brought joy and happiness. The second verse, "Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit, ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut," translates to "How often at Christmastime have you pleased me well." The Christmas tree becomes a symbol of happiness and holiday cheer.
The final verse of the song connects the Christmas tree's steadfastness and endurance to human characteristics of hope and perseverance. "Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit, gibt Trost und Kraft zu jeder Zeit," translates to "Hope and steadfastness will give comfort and strength at all times." The song concludes with an affirmation of the lessons the Christmas tree has taught the singer, as they sing, "Das will dein Kleid mich lehren," or "That is what your dress has taught me."
Line by Line Meaning
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree
Wie treu sind deine Blätter
How loyal are your branches
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
You don't only bloom in summertime,
Nein, auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
But also in winter when it snows.
Wie grün sind deine Blätter.
How green are your branches.
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen.
You can please me greatly.
Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit
How often during Christmas time
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut.
A tree like you has brought me joy.
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren.
Your attire wants to teach me something.
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit,
Hope and steadfastness,
Gibt Trost und Kraft zu jeder Zeit!
Provide comfort and strength at all times!
Das will dein Kleid mich lehren.
That's what your dress wants to teach me.
Contributed by Ethan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Krizvas
such a classic, but absolutely amazing.
Angel A
Soooo nice to hear this christmas staple redone this way. Btw I looove the tone texture of your piano I don't even know if it is a piano sounds like a mix between harpsichord and guitar but lofi
A I
Melancholic Christmas, just like how it might be this year
I love it tho
Đạt Dương Tiến
your pieces are so great, hope you'll keep making videos
Deepthi Dayanand
I absolutely adore your music 🥰
Tiny Potatoes
Thank you for making my night so much better :)
Mono Tone
Wow! This is amazing! Keep up the great work!
Miriam B
I LOVE your work! My admiration is endless.
Could you try arranging some Son Lux songs? Their style is peculiar
Emilio Chausse
Ibi, you're fantastic.
deadly - roblox
i miss when you used to make music like 'Limbic System', please do music like that again.