Book Description

Scholars of medieval German literature as well as medievalists in other vernacular literatures readily appreciate the contributions of Heinrich von Morungen to the art of the love-song (Minnesang) in Germany. This new study of the artist and his work is an original contribution to scholarship as well as a discussion of the isolated commentaries and translations that have hitherto been available. Professor Fisher provides a deep insight into Morungen and his musical and poetical artistry and also discusses the performance elements of medieval German song. The main body of the study includes translations of Morungen's songs which preserve their original rhythms and rhyme patterns. Each song is translated: where the verse translation is inadequate or where the original text presents difficulties, this is commented on in the notes. There is a separate discussion of Morungen's use of metaphors and their relevance to his terminology of love.