Sagesse
for alto and guitar
Story behind the piece:
Verlaine is in his prison cell looking out through the high window and listening to the bells and birdsong outside. He asks himself: "what have you done with your lost young years?"
Verlaine's poem, and singing translation by the composer.
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Le ciel est par dessus le toit si bleu si calme un arbre par dessus le toit berce sa palme la cloche dans le ciel qu'on voit doucement tinte un oiseau sur l'arbre qu'on voit chante sa plainte. Mon Dieu mon Dieu, la vie est là, simple et tranquille. Cette paisible rumeur là vient de la ville. Qu'as- pleurant sans cesse, dis, qu'as- |
The sky above the eaves is blue, is blue and calm a tree in spreading leaves sways its arms the churchbell in the sky softly rings a bird perched in the tree bitter sweet sings. My God, true life is there simple serene! Far away gentle bustle of the town scene. Oh what have you done, consumed by tears, say what have you done with your young years? |
There is also a version for flute and guitar:
Scores of both versions are available from Musik Fabrik:
Sagesse was also the inspiration for a recorder quartet, using the same melody, called Après Paul
also published by Musik Fabrik (score available here)
Après Paul has been performed by the recorder quartet X-