Single-stanza Lyrics

"Apart from his performances as a Minnesinger, Walther produced many political, religious, and philosophical single-stanza lyrics (Spruche). Presented here is a complete, annotated edition of his Spruche, translated with care and elegance by Frederick Goldin, in a convenient facing-page, dual-language format. These brilliant and powerful strophes are masterpieces of propaganda and impassioned reflection in which the live voice of the poet and performer comes through to us today, a fierce and irrestible presence from the past. Brief as they are, the Spruche give an intimate and realistic picture of courtly life during a period of relentless political, religious, and cultural conflict - between rival kings, between East and West, between Emperor and Pope.