Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood

Subject: Witch of the Wood
From: WyoWoman
Date: 11 May 99 - 11:34 PM

I saw a posting for info on "Witch of the Glen," and it reminded me that I have been trying to find some info on a song my mother sang me years ago. I don't remember any of it except the refrain, "Villia (Sp?), oh Villia the Witch of the Wood, would I not die for you, dear if I could?"

It may be a terrible song, but I have fond memories of it and have looked in several song books and can't locate it. Any ideas? kc

Subject: RE: Witch of the Wood
From: Llanfair
Date: 12 May 99 - 03:00 AM

It's Villia, oh Villia, the nymph of the wood, and i suspect that it is from some operetta from between the wars. That's all I can remember. Hwyl Bron.

Subject: RE: Witch of the Wood
From: Penny S.
Date: 12 May 99 - 07:15 AM

The Merry Widow, I think by Franz Lehar.

Penny

Subject: RE: Witch of the Wood
From: MMario
Date: 12 May 99 - 08:24 AM

I think Merry Widow is correct, and it is "Velia" - but pronounced with a long "e". My youngest sister was NOT named after this character (according to ONE of my parents)(they never did agree on this)

I'll have to look it up, but I am certain I saw the libretto on the wev somewhere....

MMario

Subject: RE: Witch of the Wood
From: WyoWoman
Date: 12 May 99 - 10:28 AM

Thank you very much. That was speedy! kc

Subject: RE: Witch of the Wood
From: Alice
Date: 12 May 99 - 11:20 AM

It is Vilia (Vilja), from The Merry Widow, by Franz Lehar, originally written in German, so there is more than one English translation. It is one of the operettas that is more "opera"-like than some, so it is standard in many opera companies. It takes opera voices to sing it well with the range and power that the score requires. The setting of the opera is in France, which may confuse some, but it was written in German. I have heard and read translations into English that use either the witch of the wood or the nymph of delight. The Vilja is a type of supernatural woodland spirit that was translated into the word "witch" when the word did not have all the connotations it has now. In the opera, it is sung by the lead soprano, who sings it as if it is a "folksong" of her fictional country.

I have it in both German and English, if you are interested in the lyrics.

Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: lyrics to song Velia
From: GUEST,Jane
Date: 13 Apr 08 - 03:46 AM

Did you ever find the lyrics to Velia? I too have fond memories of this one. My father used to sing it when we were children.

If you did, would you be kind enough to share them with me? I would be very grateful

Jane in Yass Australia

Subject: ADD Vilia (as sung by Ray Charles)
From: Snuffy
Date: 13 Apr 08 - 01:09 PM

One translation of Vilia by Lorenz Hart and another by Adrian Ross.

And the words as sung by Ray Charles!

Subject: RE: Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,RhymeCon
Date: 19 May 08 - 06:26 PM

I know more than just the lyrics of Vilja (her name in German); until my recent demise I knew her in person. Read rhymecon.tripod.com. It will give you more details than you probably want to know.

RhymeCon

By Googling my nickname or "Poetic Pundit" you might find my tragic tale, if the link doesn't work.

Subject: Lyr Add: VILIA
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 06:07 PM

From 500 best-loved song lyrics By Ronald Herder, 1997:

VILIA
English words, Adrian Ross. Music, Franz Lehár, 1907.
[Originally from Die lustige Witwe, 1905: words, Victor Léon & Leo Smith]

1. There once was a Vilia, a witch of the wood,
A hunter beheld her alone as she stood,
The spell of her beauty upon him was laid;
He looked and he longed for the magical maid!
For a sudden tremor ran
Right through the love-bewildered man,
And he sighed as a hapless lover can:

CHORUS: "Vilia, O Vilia! The witch of the wood!
Would I not die for you, dear, if I could?
Vilia, O Vilia, my love and my bride!"
Softly and sadly he sighed.

2. The wood-maiden smiled, and no answer she gave,
But beckoned him into the shade of the cave;
He never had known such a rapturous bliss,
No maiden of mortals so sweetly can kiss!
As before her feet he lay,
She vanished in the wood away,
And he called vainly till his dying day: CHORUS

Sadly he sighed, "Vilia!"

[The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music has the German: Vilja-Lied (Lied vom Waldmägdelein) aus der Operette "Die lustige Witwe", Text von Victor Léon und Leo Stein. Musik von Franz Lehár. Leipzig : Ludwig Doblinger, 1906.

[First Line: Es lebt' eine Vilja, ein Waldmagdelein
First Line of Chorus: Vilja, o Vilja, du Waldmagdelein]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: Willa
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 12:26 PM

Hi Jane in Australia

One of my favourites too; I've even dared to sing it in a folk club!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,McK fr Canada
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 01:34 PM

I'm looking for the English lyric of Vilia - not the witch of the wood version - and would appreciate someone letting me know if the words given in these previous emails for the English version: "Vilia, oh Vilia, let me be true", are complete? I'm trying to get this translation for a non-profit community choir, so would appreciate your assistance! Thx

Subject: ADD: Vilia (Lorenz Hart)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 01:55 PM

Hi - here are the Lorenz Hart lyrics from the film, from The Complete Lyrics of Lorenz Hart. This source is usually absolutely accurate. Incidently, the Ray Charles lyrics that Snuffy linked to above, are the lyrics by Lorenz Hart. Hart has taken some liberties with the translation. The translation Jim Dixon posted above is far closer to the original. Note that Jim also furnished a link to the original sheet music.


VILIA

From The Merry Widow, 1934 film
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart, music by Franz Lehár

Introduced by Jeanette MacDonald (vocal) and Bella Loblov (violin)


VERSE
The night is romantic and I am alone.
In vain through my window the moonlight is thrown.
"Oh, Vilia, my Vilia!" Oh yes, that's the tune,
The song of the shepherd who cried for the moon

REFRAIN
Vilia, oh Vilia, oh let me be true;
My little life is a love song to you.
Vilia, oh Vilia, I've waited so long;
Lonely with only a song.
Vilia, oh Vilia, don't leave me alone!
Love calls to love and my heart is your own.
Vilia, oh Vilia, I've waited so long;
Lonely with only a song.
Only a song,
Only a song.

Click here for a YouTube video of the original, as sung by Anneliese Rothenberger; and another, by Gwyneth Jones.

This page (click) has the original text and a very nice translation.

Subject: ADD Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 02:33 PM

I found it in notes from a Marilyn Horne concert, so I don't need to work. Source: http://www.marilynhornefdn.org/news/files/Divas%20in%20song.pdf

Highlights from...
Marilyn Horne
Divas in Song
A 60th Birthday Celebration
The Marilyn Horne Foundation Inaugural Concert
Recorded Live on January 16, 1994
Carnegie Hall, New York
Broadcast Date: March 29, 2008
96.3FM WQXR New York
Hosts: Marilyn Horne and Robert White

Franz Lehár (1870-1949)
Vilja-Lied
Text: Léon & Stein
Performed by Helen Donath

VILJA-LIED Es lebt' eine Vilja, ein Waldmägdelein, Ein Jäger erschaut' sie im Felsenge Stein! Dem Burschen, dem wurde so eigen zu Sinn, Er schaute and schaut' auf das Waldmägdlein hin. Und ein nie gekannter Schauer faßt den jungen Jägersmann; Sehnsuchtsvoll fing er still zu seufzen an: Vilja, o Vilja, du Waldmägdelein, Faß' mich und laß mich dein Trautliebster sein. Vilja, o Vilja, was tust du mir an? Bang fleht ein liebkranker Mann! Das Waldmägdlein streckte die Hand nach ihm aus Und zog ihn hinein in ihr felsiges Haus; Dem Burschen die Sinne vergangen fast sind, So liebt und so küßt gar kein irdisches Kind. Als sie sich dann sattgeküßt verschwand sie zu derselben Frist! Einmal noch hat der Arme sie gegrüßt: Vilja, o Vilja, du Waldmägdelein, Faß' mich und laß mich dein Trautliebster sein. Vilja, o Vilja, was tust du mir an? Bang fleht ein liebkranker Mann!

SONG OF THE VILJA Translation: Anonymous There once lived a Vilja, a forest maid; a hunter espied her 'midst the rocky crags! A strange feeling overcame the youth, He looked in trepidation at the forest maid. And a quite unknown agitation seized the young huntsman; He began to sigh, softly and with yearning. Vilja, o Vilja, you forest maid, Embrace me, and let me be your truest love. Vilja, o Vilja, what do you do to me? A lovesick man longingly implores you! The forest maid stretched out her hand to him And drew him into her stony home; The youth all but lost his senses, No earthly child loved and kissed in that way. When the kisses had sated her, she all at once vanished! The hapless boy bid her greeting once more: Vilja, o Vilja, you forest maid, Embrace me, and let me be your truest love. Vilja, o Vilja, what do you do to me? A lovesick man longingly implores you!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,McK fr Canada
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 02:41 PM

Thank you, Joe, very much! Have a great weekend!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 03:02 PM

Thanks for the question, McK. I may have to work this up for my own repertoire. It's a wonderful tune. I've heard pop versions of the tune like this one (click), and never made the connection to the opera song - even though I've heard both all my life. I think I'll "folkify" the tune and sing it in German and English.
By the way, "witch of the Wood" as a translation for "Waldmägdelein" might be a little strong - "maiden of the wood" might be closer.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: Micca
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 05:17 PM

I am Fairly sure the "Operatic" version (in German) turns up in the Movie "Death in Venice" by Luchino Visconti, sung at The Lido Hotel in Venice

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Giulietta
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 10:27 AM

Know you the polish version "Wilja Lied"?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Kit Har
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 04:50 AM

I have this fragment from a song learned at school (in the 1960s!) :

    Vilia, fair dryad that rules in the woods,
    O'er blossoms, bees, and the lonely bird brood;
    Vilia, fair maiden, bid me to stay;
    Sweet Vilia, love me, I pray!

Can anyone recall the rest, and who wrote it? I'm very sure it came from the movie, but the lyrics googled did not match. Perhaps the melody is the same. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Thespian
Date: 29 Sep 10 - 12:33 AM

My mother sang a song to me when I was very young. I am now 79. The lyrics as best as I remember:

Vilia, oh Vilia, you rule in the wood
O'er blossoms, bees and the tiny bird brood.
Vilia, oh Vilia, your rule I'll obey.
Sweet Vilia, love me, I pray.

I have searched the internet for hours trying to find this version. You are the only one that had lyrics even close to those I remember. I'm sorry, but the above is the extent of my memory.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Thespian
Date: 29 Sep 10 - 12:51 AM

Hello, Kit Har, again.
I didn't complete my response. Sorry. The song is from Franz Lehar's operetta, The Merry Widow. Vilia is sung by the lead soprano. If you google "Vilia" you can hear many wonderful sopranos singing the original version. The lyrics you and I have fit the music perfectly.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Dr Eugene McCabe
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 02:53 AM

As a Uni student in the days when 33 1/3 recordings on vinyl were just becoming the norm, the accoutrements of stereo set ups were not all that commonly available.
Many of the fiscally stretched young like me had fees to pay and life was real and earnest.
A common stereo set up had a speaker system and a good one at that made from a tea chest with the woofer set in the bottom, the tweeter at the top and a good inch of sand at the bottom ofv the box. Also a hole in the back I think.
At the Uni accommodation at which I stayed I had a neighbor, Bill Tucker later a Physician , who had one of these units.
I particularly remember him playing a 33 1/3 vinyl with stunning Kaychaturian and particularly Virginia de los Angeles singing Vilya from the Merry Widow. Oh me oh my.
What record would that have been on?
Played in 1953 so ? recorded in 1951 / 52

Cheers

E D McCabe

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Lisa
Date: 26 Feb 11 - 02:56 PM

I used to sing another version, with the chorus
"Vilja, o Vilja, your magical fire
captures, enraptures my yearning desire
Vilja, o Vilja will love tell me why?
In your embraces I die.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: Cool Beans
Date: 26 Feb 11 - 04:23 PM

The character Bob once sang this on "Sesame Street" (the US children's TV show). I'm pretty sure he sang her name as Delia but I may have misheard. I always wondered where it came frm.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,AJP
Date: 07 Oct 11 - 07:09 AM

It's from Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 02:52 AM

Vilia- witch of the wood. Lyrics by adrian ross Music by Franz Lehar
Pub;ished by Chapell & Co Ltd MCMV11. email me and I will send you the [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: JJ
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 08:39 AM

Surely the singer of Dr. McCabe's "Vilia/Vilja" is Victoria de los Angeles, not Virginia. But as to the LP it might have been on in 1953...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: Genie
Date: 05 Jun 12 - 03:39 AM

Cool Beans, my sister was named after this song. My dad loved the song but 'heard' the name as "Delia," instead of "Vilia," so that's what she was named.

I really love the song, especially in the original German.

Genie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,C.Delmont
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 06:03 PM

I, too, named my daughter Delia because I thought that was what Bob McGrath of Sesame Street was singing. I would love to see that clip again.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 07:56 PM

Okay, I'm going totally from memory, so those who quote sources may know better. But ...
I've heard it started:

Vilia, o Vilia, my heart is aflame.
Soft as a kiss, hear me whis-per your name.

Clearly many variations are available.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Bill MacCready
Date: 03 Feb 14 - 11:10 AM

I used to sing this song in my school choir back in the mid 1950s. here are the words as I remember them.


One morning a huntsman all gallant and gay,
while chasing wild boar thru the woods cool and gray.
Espied a fair Dryad among the great trees,and soon as
he saw her bright hair in the breeze.
Tender thoughts began to throng,quest of game no more were strong,for this straightway became his hunting song.

Velia oh Velia you rule in the woods
oer blossoms,bees and the tiny bird brood
Velia oh Velia love me I pray.
sweet Velia,love me I pray.

the nymph raised a cheek that was cool as a leaf,alas for the kiss both so thrilling and brief.
as soon as his lips touched the exquisite face, she vanished and left,but a cool lonely place.
Now there haunts him day and night, echos from that woodland sprite
Velia,dryad, with no mortal may unite.

Vilia fair dryad you rule in the woods   ETC.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 04 Feb 14 - 10:16 AM

Thanks, Bill. Those are nice words, singable in English yet true to the spirit of the original. (Somebody asked about precisely that version back in 2010.)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Bill MacCready
Date: 13 Mar 14 - 12:02 PM

I'm new to this forum. Is there anyway to get these lyrics to the person that requested them way back in 2010?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Vilia / Vilja - Witch of the Wood
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 13 Mar 14 - 01:47 PM

Bill, registered members can send PMs (personal messages) to other such members, if they feel like it. However, normally those who start threads will have to and want to check them for updates. Some of the best Mudcat threads actually proved most interesting to readers who did not ask.

If you start a thread, make sure to note its web address ("URL"), particularly the thread number "threadid=...", so you can check your thread without searching for it the list of thread titles.

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