Homage to Lord Byron

Two hundred years ago, just like today, on April 19, 1824, Lord Byron died in the heroic city of Messolonghi from the effects of a cold. He was 36 years old. Just a few months earlier, on January 22, 1824, he wrote the poem "On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year" for his birthday. Sadly, he realized that he could no longer awaken feelings of love interest and spurred his spirit for battle, in a wish to be a soldier, and end his life in the battlefield.

He had had enough. In these last years, and especially after the death of his young illegitimate daughter, the poet wanted to change his life and do something "important" for the world. He participated in the Italian Revolution, but it came to nothing. Then he decided to participate in the Greek Revolution and invested his entire fortune in the Greek struggle against the Ottoman Empire. He was welcomed like a Messiah in Messolonghi, yet everything that followed disappointed him. The Greeks were disorganized, ununited, and dishonest, always demanding money instead of uniting around the ideal of liberating their homeland.

And as if all this weren't enough, he fell also in love (again) with a child, his servant Luke this time, who rejected him. He no longer felt beautiful, no longer desirable. The two spirits of the lover and the soldier battled in his heart until the last moment.

But if Lord George Byron has not achieved what he wanted during his life, he achieved tat after his death.. His contribution to the liberation of Greece from Muslim rule was decisive. His Orientalism, his interest in Armenian culture, his Hebrew songs inspired the liberation movements in the Orient. I dare even to think, that his libertine love affairs inspired the emancipation movements of the 20th century.

This "Byron-year" I would like to pay to George, a small, humble tribute. Unfortunately, I could find artists to help me realize a small reading performance.

And yet, I found a friend who helped me pay you this small tribute. Peter Müller, my partner's brother is also an English teacher. He helped me edit and translate Lord Byron's very first poem. "Leaving Newstead Abbey"

In this poem, Lord Byron communicates with the spirits of his ancestors as he leaves the ruined family estate. He senses his past, the soul of the knights of the Crusades or wars, his ancestors, and promises them that he will not disappoint them.

And he has not disappointed them.

This poem is very important to me. So my homage begins with the translation of this poem into German. Later in the year, I will also translate "Today I End My 36th Year."

On the same day (Friday, April 19), I will also present a compilation of all the "Maid of Athens" from the 2022 Bolko von Hochberg International Lied Competition.

And finally, the day will end with an "Ode to Byron," which I will write myself, my first literary attempt.

I wish you another 100 happy years of remembrance in the universe where you are, beloved poet.