Inspired by
Schoenberg; String Quartet No. 2
Created as part of the Echo Chamber Toronto Concert Series
Rapture
I feel air from another planet. I faintly through the darkness see faces Friendly even now, turning toward me.
And trees and paths that I loved fade So I can scarcely know them and you bright Beloved shadow—summoner of my anguish--
Are only extinguished completely in a deep glowing In the frenzy of the fight With a pious show of reason.
I lose myself in tones, circling, weaving, With unfathomable thanks and unnamed praise, Bereft of desire, I surrender myself to the great breath.
A violent wind passes over me In the thrill of consecration where ardent cries In dust flung by women on the ground:
Then I see a filmy mist rising In a sun-filled, open expanse That includes only the farthest mountain hatches.
The land looks white and smooth like whey, I climb over enormous canyons. I feel as if above the last cloud
Swimming in a sea of crystal radiance-- I am only a spark of the holy fire I am only a whisper of the holy voice.
Stefan George
Schoenberg; String Quartet No. 2
Created as part of the Echo Chamber Toronto Concert Series
Rapture
I feel air from another planet. I faintly through the darkness see faces Friendly even now, turning toward me.
And trees and paths that I loved fade So I can scarcely know them and you bright Beloved shadow—summoner of my anguish--
Are only extinguished completely in a deep glowing In the frenzy of the fight With a pious show of reason.
I lose myself in tones, circling, weaving, With unfathomable thanks and unnamed praise, Bereft of desire, I surrender myself to the great breath.
A violent wind passes over me In the thrill of consecration where ardent cries In dust flung by women on the ground:
Then I see a filmy mist rising In a sun-filled, open expanse That includes only the farthest mountain hatches.
The land looks white and smooth like whey, I climb over enormous canyons. I feel as if above the last cloud
Swimming in a sea of crystal radiance-- I am only a spark of the holy fire I am only a whisper of the holy voice.
Stefan George
