Tag Archives: Engelbert Humperdinck

Unique Musical Moments/Great Performences: The Evening Prayer – Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade



In the original German, with the English translation:

Abends, will ich schlafen gehn,
Vierzehn Engel um mich stehn:
Zwei zu meinen Häupten,
Zwei zu meinen Füßen,
Zwei zu meiner Rechten,
Zwei zu meiner Linken,
Zweie, die mich decken,
Zweie, die mich wecken,
Zweie, die mich weisen,
Zu Himmels-Paradeisen

Evenings, when I go to sleep,
Fourteen angels with me keep,
Two stand at my head,
Two at the foot of my bed,
Two are at my right hand,
Two are at my left hand,
Two in covers tuck me,
Two at morning wake me,
Two that point the way to rise
To heaven’s paradise.

Though maybe not quite a “Christmas” song, it’s as close to one as I can imagine! These 2 amazing perfomers are superb! We’ve Engelbert Humperdinck to thank for this unique song and melody, from “Hänsel und Gretel.” Just one of many from his brilliant opera.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!