Meister Alexander
Meister Alexander (Der Wilde) was a Minnesinger active in the later 13th century in Southern Germany. He is credited with five songs from a variety of sources.
Hie vor do wir Kinder waren
This arrangement is based on Barbara Seagrave and Wesley Thomas, ‘The Songs of the Minnesingers’ 1966.
Meister Alexander "Hie vor do wir Kinder" • Concentus Musicus MN, Arthur Maud, dir.
Text:
Hie vor do wir kinder waren
und diu zit was in den jaren
daz wir liefen uf die wisen
her von jenen wider ze disen,
da wir under stunden viol wunden,
da siht man nu rinder bisen.
Ich gedenk wol daz wir sazen
in den bluomen unde mazen
welch diu schoenest mohte sin.
do schein unser kintlich schin
mit dem niuwen kranze auo dem tanze.
alsus gei diu zit von hin.
Translation:
Years ago when we were children
and still at the age
that we ran onto the meadows –
from one to the other
for we sometimes made garlands
of violets – there cattle now graze.
I can remember how we sat
among the flowers and looked
for the most beautiful one.
How we beamed as only children do,
dancing with our new garland.
And so the time passes.