Soprano & pianist Rachel Fenlon sings and accompanies herself on piano in Olivier Messiaen's "Trois Mélodies". Recorded live June 2020 at IDAGIO in Berlin, Germany, as part of a digital recital with Pacific Opera Victoria.
Texts:
1. Pourquoi? / Why?
English Translation © Richard Stokes
Why are the birds of the air,
Why are the gleaming waters,
Why are the clouds of heaven,
Why?
Why are the leaves of autumn,
Why are the roses of summer,
Why are the songs of spring,
Why?
Why for me are they devoid of charm,
Why?
Why? Ah, why?
2. Le Sourire / The smile
Olivier Messiaen /Cecile Sauvage
English Translation © Richard Stokes
A certain word whispered
By you is a kiss,
Intimate and lingering,
Like a kiss on the soul.
My mouth wishes to smile
And my smile flickers.
3. La fiancée perdue / The lost fiancée
Olivier Messiaen / English Translation © Richard Stokes
She is the gentle fiancée,
She is the angel of kindness,
She is a sun-drenched afternoon,
She is the wind on the flowers.
She is a smile as pure as a child’s heart,
She is a tall lily, white as a wing, towering in a gold vase!
O Jesus, bless her!
Her!
Bestow on her your powerful Grace!
May she never know pain and tears!
Bestow peace of mind on her, O Jesus!