Soprano Rita Streich: Because Today Deserves Something Beautiful

In my opinion, Austrian coloratura soprano Rita Streich (1920-1987) was the most exquisite singer. Her voice was beautifully pure; her interpretation of text was understated and impeccable. Her voice was perfection.

This is a 1964 recital in which Miss Streich sings Franz Schubert’s gorgeous lied Nacht und Träume (Night and Dreams), D. 827.

Heil’ge Nacht, du sinkest nieder;
Nieder wallen auch die Träume
Wie dein Mondlicht durch die Räume,
Durch der Menschen stille Brust.
Die belauschen sie mit Lust;
Rufen, wenn der Tag erwacht:
Kehre wieder, heil’ge Nacht!
Holde Träume, kehret wieder!
(Matthäus von Collin, poet)

Holy night, you sink down;
Dreams drift down
Like your moonlight through the rooms,
Through the still human breast.
They listen with delight;
Calling, when the day awakes:
Come back, holy night!
Fair dreams, come back again!

Pardon my rather rugged translation. It is really such a beautiful poem, so ethereal. It is captured perfectly by Miss Streich, transparent like the dream and the moonlight.

And for a few moments there is beauty in the world.