(verses one and three)
Music, that loveliest art,
Is to be held in honor,
Is in favor everywhere,
With young and old.
It freshens the heart
That suffers sorrow,
Dispels all ill humor,
And lets no one remain in sadness.
Therefore shall we, with bright voice,
Always praise Frau Musica;
She will, certainly, always
Show us her favor.
Join in, join in the song of praise,
Let your voices ring out
And do not cease to sing!
English translation
(more singable, less literal)
Music, the art that is most fair,
Deserves the highest praises,
Is highly favoured everywhere
By people of all ages.
The heart doth spring
From suffering,
Sad feelings all but vanish,
When music tears doth banish.
Such noble power she doth wield,
Whereof we all bear witness,
The heart must to her beauty yield,
Who could deny her greatness?
When we begin
To dance and sing
Dead stones cannot help waking
To join our merry-making.
So let us make a gladsome sound
In praise of music ever.
Her favour on us will redound
In joy that changeth never.
Your voices raise
In shouts of praise,
Your melodies be ringing,
And never cease from singing!