“Nu rue mit sorgen” (often listed as Nu rue mit sorgen, mein verborgenlicher schacz) is a late medieval song composed by the German knight, poet, and diplomat Oswald von Wolkenstein (1376/77–1445), likely written around the early-to-mid 15th century. It is a notable example of a Morgenlied (dawn song or aubade), a genre focusing on the parting of lovers at sunrise.
Key Aspects of “Nu rue mit sorgen”:
- Genre and Theme: The song fits within the tradition of the alba or morning song, where lovers must separate at the break of day. The lyrics express, “Nu rue mit sorgen, mein verborgenlicher schacz” (Now rest with worries, my hidden treasure).
- Context: It is part of the rich, often autobiographical, musical output of Oswald von Wolkenstein, who was a key figure bridging the late Medieval and early Renaissance periods.
- Musical Style: The piece is known for its monophonic or simple polyphonic structure and is frequently performed in modern recordings with instrumentation. Some interpretations present the single line of the manuscript as a round or with harp and flute accompaniment.
- Preservation: The songs of Oswald von Wolkenstein, including this piece, are preserved in three major manuscripts (MS A, B, and C) completed between 1425 and 1450.
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