If You Only Knew!!!

Cacilie (Cecily) is one of Richard Strauss' best love songs.  This song, along with another one I will share soon, were written as a wedding present for his wife, soprano Pauline von Ahne. "Cacilie", or Cecily in English, was the wife of teh poet Heinrich Hart, and the poem is his declaration of love to her.  As you listen, you can hear the desperation in the words and melody, along with the undercurrent of unrest created by the accompaniment.  True passion lies within this piece!!   

Enjoy! 

Translation

If you only knew what it's like to dream of burning kisses, 

Of wandering and resting with one's beloved, eye turned to eye,

And embracing and talking-if you only knew, 

You would incline your heart to me!

If you only knew what it's like to feel dread on lonely nights,

Surrounded by a raging storm, while no one comforts

With a mild voice your struggle-weary soul-

If you only knew, you would come to me. 

If you only knew what it's like to love surrounded by God's

World-creating breath,

To float up, carried by the light, to blessed heights-

If you only knew, then you would live with me! 

Rejoice!!!

From the Gloriously written Handel's Messiah, "I Know My Redeemer Livith" is an exclamation of victory for the Christian heart.  Without Christ's victory over the grave, otherwise known as Death, Believers have no hope for an eternity spent with the Heavenly Father.  Even if you are not a believer, I pray you will enjoy this piece, for it truly a masterpiece.  And for my fellow Believers..REJOICE!

Enjoy! 

The Glory of Nature and God

Zdes Khorosho-by Sergei Rachmaninov is a song of praise for the beauty of the nature.  The "speaker" relishes the beauty of nature and intimate unity with God! 

Here is the translation

"How peaceful it is here.  Look!  Far away the river blazes like fire.  The meadows are carpets of color.  The clouds are radiant white.  There's no one here.  Silence reigns.  I am alone with the Lord, the flowers, the old pine tree.  And you, my dream of delight"

Personally one of my favorite pieces!

Enjoy!  

The Power of Love

Ah, non giunge by Bellini, which soon follows Ah, no credea, is the joyous expression of renewed love and boundless hope in a future with the one who holds the key to your heart.  Bellini is a genius in how he crafts the musical line as well as the vocal score.  Even if you do not understand Italian, you can clearly hear the unyielding mirth and visualize the bright expressions of ecstasy on the faces of the reunited lovers!

Here is the translation:

"Oh, inconceivable human thought, I feel a wave of contentment; I can hardly believe my feelings, oh my treasure!  Oh, embrace me, and always together, we will always be united.  In a single hope to make this world we live in a heave of love."

  Enjoy, and feel free to get lost in the infectious joy!

Lost Love and Betrayal

 

Ah, non credea by Bellini, is one of my favorite pieces of all time.  Interwoven through the lines of the music, is the mournful proclamation of love and betrayal and utter despair at the thought of being alone. .  To love someone so profoundly, that to lose them, is to walk though life as if you are sleepwalking-semiconscious of the events around you, but sadly asleep to the joys of life. 

Here is the translation:

"Oh, I didn't believe to see you so quickly extinct, o flowers, You have passed away like love that only lasted one day.  Perhaps my tears will bring new life to you.  But my tears, oh no, cannot revive love." 

Enjoy!