The Pilgrims Chorus

Folk Songs

The Pilgrims Chorus
Chorus from "Tannhäuser"
The Pilgrims Chorus comes from the German opera Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner. The song represents the penitential journey of pilgrims as they travel to and from Rome to receive absolution. The noble aspirations of the penitents are embodied in this song, which sings the praises of God's mercy and the peace obtained by those who remit the debt of their sins.

The Pilgrims Chorus is performed here by
the choir of the Slovak Philharmonic, conducted by Johannes Wildner

Lyrics:

Beglückt darf nun dich, o Heimat, ich schauen,
Und grüßen froh deine lieblichen Auen;
Nun lass' ich ruhn den Wanderstab,
Weil Gott getreu ich gepilgert hab'.

Durch Sühn' und Buß' hab' ich versöhnt
Den Herren, dem mein Herze frönt,
Der meine Reu' mit Segen krönt,
Den Herren, dem mein Lied ertönt.

Den Herren, dem mein Lied ertönt.

Der Gnade Heil ist dem Büßer beschieden,
Er geht einst ein in der Seligen Frieden.

Vor Höll' und Tod ist ihm nicht bang,
Drum preis' ich Gott mein Lebelang.

Halleluja,
Halleluja,
In Ewigkeit, in Ewigkeit.

Translation:

Blest, I may now look on thee, oh, my native land,
And gladly greet thy pleasant pastures;
Now, I lay my pilgrim's staff aside to rest,
For, faithful to God, I have completed my pilgrimage.

Through penance and repentance I have propitiated
The Lord, whom my heart serves,
Who crowns my repentance with blessing,
The Lord to whom my song goes up.

The Lord to whom my song goes up.

The salvation of pardon is granted the penitent,
He will one day walk in the peace of the blessed.

Hell and death do not appal him,
Therefore will I praise God my life long.

Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Eternally, eternally.