Prince Albert's Personal Papers
Papers relating to Prince Albert’s personal life and enthusiasms
Dem Fernen
183922.9 x 27.6 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1140987
The Prince composed piano accompaniments for about thirty songs in the 1830s and 1840s, and was a gifted performer on both piano and organ.
Prince Albert was a keen composer and wrote a number of love songs for Queen Victoria. In Dem Fernen (From afar), written during the couple’s engagement, he speaks of sending thoughts to a distant loved one. The first page is annotated by Victoria: ‘Composed by dear Albert at Windsor Castle & sent to me by him Jan 5 1840’. At this time, Albert was in Germany, preparing to move to England for his marriage to the Queen.
'Dem Fernen' translates as 'From afar'. Translated, the first verse is:
'From far away through the still night, I send my greetings forth
And from my yearning heart his gentle words are heard
Only thoughts fly over hills and dales, only a glance
And so the pale moon silently his greetings returns'
Creator(s)
View person page
Prince Albert, Prince Consort, consort of Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-61) (composer)
22.9 x 27.6 cm (book measurement (conservation))
23.0 x 27.5 cm (whole object)
Presented to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha, 5 January 1840
[Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010, pg 456]
Subject(s)
- Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
- Music
- Musical forms
- Scores. Parts (music)
- Vocal music
- Vocal chamber music. Songs. Ballades. Lieder
- Musical forms
- Music
- Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
