The German text is a poem by Joseph von Eichendorff, beginning "Komm' Trost der Welt, du stille Nacht" (Come, consolation of the world, you quiet night).

The composition was published in 1916 after Reger's death by N. Simrock, combined with the Hebbel Requiem, as Zwei Gesänge für gemischten Chor mit Orchester (Two songs for mixed chorus with orchestra), Op.

[2] The Hebbel Requiem was first performed in Heidelberg on 16 July 1916, after the composer's death, as part of a memorial concert for Reger,[1] with Rolf Ligniez, the choirs Bachverein and Akademischer Gesangverein, and the enlarged Städtisches Orchester (Municipal orchestra), conducted by Philipp Wolfrum.

Wie steigst du von den Bergen sacht, Die Lüfte alle schlafen, Ein Schiffer nur noch, wandermüd, Singt über's Meer sein Abendlied Zu Gottes Lob im Hafen.

A solitary person, forgotten by the world, addresses the night as consolation, reflecting tiredness of day, desire and need, and expecting an eternal dawn.