Herr, lehre doch mich, daß ein Ende mit mi

Johannes Brahms' composition, 'Herr, lehre doch mich, daß ein Ende mit mir haben muss,' is a profound meditation on human mortality and the search for divine solace. The lyrics, drawn from Psalm 39 and the Wisdom of Solomon, reflect a deep existential awareness and a yearning for spiritual understanding. Brahms, known for his rich, emotive compositions, uses this text to explore themes of life's fleeting nature and the ultimate hope found in faith.

The opening lines, 'Herr, lehre doch mich, dass ein Ende mit mir haben muss, und mein Leben ein Ziel hat, und ich davon muss,' set the tone for the piece. The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death and the transient nature of human existence. This acknowledgment is not merely a lament but a plea for wisdom and understanding. The imagery of life being 'einer Hand breit vor dir' (a handbreadth before you) and 'wie nichts vor dir' (like nothing before you) emphasizes the insignificance of human life in the grand scheme of divine eternity.

As the lyrics progress, there is a shift from existential despair to a search for comfort and hope. The line 'Nun Herr, wes soll ich mich trösten? Ich hoffe auf dich' (Now Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you) signifies a turning point. The speaker finds solace in the divine, placing their trust and hope in God. This transition is further reinforced by the excerpt from the Wisdom of Solomon, 'Der Gerechten Seelen sind in Gottes Hand, und keine Qual rührte sie an' (The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will touch them). This passage offers a vision of peace and protection for the faithful, contrasting the earlier themes of life's uncertainty and turmoil.

Brahms' musical setting of these texts enhances their emotional and spiritual depth. His use of harmony and melody underscores the tension between human frailty and divine assurance, creating a powerful and moving experience for the listener. Through this piece, Brahms invites us to reflect on our own mortality and the hope that can be found in faith, offering a timeless message of comfort and contemplation.