[ Home  |  FAQ-Related Q&As  |  General Q&As  |  Answered Questions ]

    Search the Q&A Archives

I'm searching for an english translation of Berlioz Les Nuit...

<< Back to: FAQ: rec.music.classical

Question by Thomas
Submitted on 6/28/2003
Related FAQ: FAQ: rec.music.classical
Rating: Not yet rated Rate this question: Vote
I'm searching for an english translation of Berlioz Les Nuit d'ete


Answer by Bruce
Submitted on 11/5/2003
Rating:  Rate this answer: Vote
Hi Thomas

At http://www.recmusic.org/lieder/merge.cgi?72. Or any CD with a decent booklet.

Caution: sometimes publishers of booklets etc use existing verse translations which pull around the original to get rhymes and metrics in English. The most useful kind of translation for a listener is plain, and as much as possible laid out in the word order of the original. That way we can hear how the composer has treated the word.

In the online English version, stanza one of Villanelle goes like this:

When verdant spring again approaches,
When winter's chills have disappeared,
Through the woods we shall stroll, my darling,
The fair primrose to cull at will.

Here's a plain version for comparison:

When comes in the new season
When have disappeared the frosts
Together we will go my beautiful one
To pick the lily of the valley in the woods.

Look at the last lines of the two versions. The flower in Fr is 'muguet' = lily of the valley. But that doesn't fit the music! So the translator alters it to 'primrose'.

Moral: if a translated lyric doesn't read like any English you've ever seen, it's probably trustworthy.

Bruce

 

Your answer will be published for anyone to see and rate.  Your answer will not be displayed immediately.  If you'd like to get expert points and benefit from positive ratings, please create a new account or login into an existing account below.


Your name or nickname:
If you'd like to create a new account or access your existing account, put in your password here:
Your answer:

FAQS.ORG reserves the right to edit your answer as to improve its clarity.  By submitting your answer you authorize FAQS.ORG to publish your answer on the WWW without any restrictions. You agree to hold harmless and indemnify FAQS.ORG against any claims, costs, or damages resulting from publishing your answer.

 

FAQS.ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. Each post is the personal opinion of the poster. These posts are not intended to substitute for medical, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. FAQS.ORG does not endorse any opinion or any product or service mentioned mentioned in these posts.

 

<< Back to: FAQ: rec.music.classical

[ Home  |  FAQ-Related Q&As  |  General Q&As  |  Answered Questions ]
© 2008 FAQS.ORG. All rights reserved.