Approaching ecstasy. Eric Banks. Commissioned by Seattle CityArtists for The Esoterics, Whim W Him, and the St Helens String Quartet in May 2012

Transcript

1 Aroaching ecstasy A choral allet, setting eighteen oems y Constantine Cavay, in Greek and English, translated y the comoser, or our-art mixed chorus (), har, and string quartet Eric Banks Commissioned y Seattle CityArtists or The Esoterics, him im, and the St elens String Quartet in May Eric Banks (ASCA) All rights reserved y the comoser eric@ericankscom eage: ericankscom

2 Aout this ork Constantine Cavay (16-19) as the son o a ealthy Greek shiing magnate ho sent most o his lie in Alexandria and Istanul e is est knon or his oetic recreations o classic images o ancient Greece, and is one o my avorite oets In 200, I traveled to Alexandria, Egyt, here I as ale to visit Cavay s aartment (no a museum), sit at his desk, and look through his manuscrits Since then, I have immersed mysel in Cavay s oetry in order to reare three searate orks: oices, commissioned y the Yale Glee Clu in memory o my irst conducting teacher, enno eath; This delicate universe, a ive-movement choral cycle commissioned y Consirare and Craig ella ohnson; and this choral allet or chorus, string quartet, and har - Aroaching ecstasy or this iece, I chose to set eighteen o Cavay s highly ersonal oems aout his lie as a gay man in Egyt over a century ago In these oems, there are vivid ortraits o his lovers, deictions o his secret lie as ell as that o his riends, and exressions o ear, hoe, rememered love, and excruciating eauty These oems are ound on the next our ages o this rontisiece The eighteen oems in this allet are set in oth Cavay s original Greek, and in my on English translation Each English oem is sung a caella, and is scored to e clearly and homohonically declaimed Each Greek oem is accomanied y the instrumental ensemle, and these vignettes are meant to accomany the dancers, so they are more olyhonic and reetitive In the irst hal o the iece, each Greek oem ollos each English one; in the second hal, each Greek oem recedes its English translation ith 6 texted vignettes (1 oems in 2 languages) and instrumental movements (the rologue, Intermezzo, and Eilogue), there are 9 total movements in this 6 minute iece It is a through-comosed ork, erormed ithout auses, ith each vignette connected to the next through instrumental soli This iece also traverses the circle-o-iths three times, emloying each key signature in one o three Araic maqamat (equivalent to the Aeolian mode, hrygian mode, and Suzidil or Shahnaz the itch set: A B C D E G) In addition to the linguistic and itch symmetries in this iece, I have orroed rom Araic meters as ell hile each unaccomanied vignette is in standard / time (as are the rologue and Eilogue), the remaining movements are comosed in a symmetrically-arranged sequence o other meters: 16/, 15/, 1/, 11/, 10/, 9/, /, and 7/ I hoe that these meters ill insire some comelling dance! ere are the glyhs or Modern Greek in the International honetic Alhaet (these are used in this score): oels: ` as in hot D as in hen h as in heat n as in home t as in hoot Consonants: a as in in c as in din e as in in as in kin k as in lint l as in mint m as in noon o as in in r as in sin s as in tin u as in voodoo y as in zoo Non-English characters:! a glottal sto, as in!as or!in (and!or) ç a heavy h, as in the German Ich a consonantal y, as in you C a voiced th, as in this S an unvoiced th, as in thin q lied, as in the Italian ragazzi a light g, or stroke o the guttural rench r Although this iece took aout eight months to comose, the research that ent into choosing and translating Cavay s rilliant oems has taken me a much longer time: closer to our years I kno this ecause Olivier and I have een discussing this iece or at least that long (eore he even ounded his ormidale dance comany, him im) I started comosing this allet in May o 2011 in hoenix hile staying at the aartment o my riend, Charles Bruy I continued to ork on it hile travelling in Argentina during the summer o 2011, here I as ale to stay at the Buenos Aires lat o Tom eell and Bruce oolverton In the all o 2011, I inished the a caella movements hile teaching ull time at Cornish oever, the largest sections o this iece ere comosed in aris eteen mid- Decemer 2011 and mid-anuary 2012 hile orking everishly there, I elt great suort rom my riends anet Looney and Saïd essa I also must mention the riendshi o my Egyt travel uddy, Keith orlock, ho as there to take a icture o me sitting at Cavay s desk in Alexandria inally, none o this ould have een ossile ithout the unavering suort o my husand, David Gellman I oe a huge det o gratitude to all o these eole Charles, Tom, Bruce, anet, Saïd, Keith, and David or their love and suort hile I rote this iece I am also so indeted to Olivier evers, Katie Bomico, and the dancers o him im, or elieving in this iece eore it as even ritten As ell, I am grateul to The Esoterics community (most esecially Bayta Maring, Betsy Baeskens, Christine Bell, Donald Skirvin, Natalie Lerch, Roert ade, and Scott Kovacs) or giving me the sace to create this iece I am also so grateul to aige Stockley Lerner and the St elens String Quartet, and to Melissa Achten my student-turned-riend, and a glorious harist I dedicate this iece to Cavay s exquisite memory, and to all o you Thank you or suorting my attemt to aroach ecstasy Eric Banks

3 I Candles (199) Του μέλλοντος η μέρες στέκοντ εμπροστά μας st ldknmcnr!h ldqdr rsdnmcdlaqnrs` l`r: The days o our uture stand eore us; Σα μια σειρά κεράκια αναμένα: r` l` rhq` Dq``!`m`lDm`9 They ait, like a ro o urning candles: Χρυσά, ζεστά, και ζωηρά κεράκια çqhr` ydrs` D ynhq` Dq``- Golden, vivid, and arm Η περασμένες μέρες πίσω μένουν,!h odq`yldmdr ldqdr ohrn ldmtm: The days o our ast remain ehind us; Μια θλιβερή γραμμή κεριών σβυσμένων: l` SkhuDqh q`lh Dqnm yuhyldmnm9 They linger, in a ro o extinguished candles: Τα πιο κοντά βγάζουν καπνόν ακόμη, s` on nmc` u`ytm `omnm!`nlh Those closer to us are still smoking and curved, Κρύα κεριά, λυωμένα, και κυρτά qh` Dq` knldm` D hqs`- Exressionless, melted, and cold Δεν θέλω να τα βλέπω; με λυπεί η μορφή των, CDm SDkn m` s` ukdon: ld khoh!h lnqeh snm I ill not look at them; it ould sadden me to see them no, Και με λυπεί το πρώτο φως των να θυμούμαι D ld khoh sn oqnsn enr snm m` ShltlD- And rememer their original light Εμπρός κυττάζω τ αναμένα μου κεριά!dlaqnr hs`yn s`m`ldm` lt Dq`- I look ahead, to my candles that ait and glo Δεν θέλω να γυρίσω να μη διω και φρίξω: CDm SDkn m` hqhrn m` lh Cn D eqhrn9 I ill not turn ack, lest I see the ast and shudder: Τι γρήγορα που η σκοτεινή γραμμή μακραίνει, sh qhnq` ot!h rnshmh q`lh l`qdmh o sitly the dark and smoldering line lengthens, Τι γρήγορα που τα σβυστά κεριά πληθαίνουν sh qhnq` ot s` yuhrs` Dq` okhsdmtm- o quickly the series o stiled candles gros II ith the touch o his hands (1915) Την προσοχή μου κάτι που είπαν πλάγι μου shm oqnrnçh lt `sh ot!ho`m ok`h lt Someone next to me mumled something sotly, Διεύθυνε στου καφενείου την είσοδο CDeShmD rst `edmht shm!hrncn- And caused me to glance over toard the door o the caé Κ είδα τ ωραίο σώμα που έμοιαζε hc` snqdn rnl` ot!dlh`yd There I sa someone so eautiul, it as as i Σαν απ την άκρα πείρα του να τώκαμεν ο Έρως r`m!`oshm!`q` ohq` st m` sn`ldm!n!dqnr Love himsel had created him on his very est day Πλάττοντας τα συμμετρικά του μέλη με χαρά; ok`snmc`r s` rhldsqh` st ldkh ld ç`q`: Shaing his symmetrical lims ith leasure; Υψώνοντας γλυπτό το ανάστημα;!hornmnmc`r khosn sn!`m`rshl`: Measuring his ell-sculted rame ith atience; Πλάττοντας με συγκίνησι το πρόσωπο; ok`snmc`r ld rhmhmhrh sn oqnrnon: ashioning his ace ith every emotion; Κι αφίνοντας απ των χεριών του το άγγιγμα, h!`ehmnmc`r!`osnm çdqnm st sn!`mhl` And leaving ehind, ith the touch o his hands, Ένα αίσθημα στο μέτωπο, στα μάτια, και στα χείλη!dm`!drshl` rsn ldsnon rs` l`s` D rs` çhkh- Only an imrint on his ro, on his eyes, and on his lis III aces (1917) Την εμορφιά έτσι πολύ ατένισα, shm!dlnqe`!dsrh onkh!`sdmhr` In my lie, I have seen so much eauty, Που πλήρης είναι αυτής η όρασίς μου: ot okhqhr!hmd!`eshr!h!nq`rhr lt9 That my eyes are overloing ith images: Γραμμές του σώματος, κόκκινα χείλη, μέλη ηδονικά, q`ldr st rnl`snr nhm` çhkh ldkh!hcnmh` A chiseled torso, vermilion lis, luxurious lims, Μαλλιά σαν από αγάλματα ελληνικά παρμένα; l`k` r`m!`on!``kl`s` Dkhmh` o`qldm`: And hair that resemles the locks o an ancient Greek statue, Πάντα έμορφα, κι αχτένιστα σαν είναι, o`mc`!dlnqe` h!`çsdmhrs` r`m!hmd Timelessly handsome, even hen disheveled, Και πέφτουν, λίγο, επάνω στ άσπρα μέτωπα D odestm khn!do`mn rs`roq` ldsno`- And alling, ever-so-lightly, over the alest o ros Πρόσωπα της αγάπης, όπως τάθελεν η ποίησίς μου, oqnrno` shr!``ohr!nonr s`sdkdm!h ohhrhr lt aces o love, ho my oetry longed or you, Μες στες νύχτες της νεότητός μου, ldr rsdr mhçsdr shr mdnshsnr lt Throughout the nights o my youth, Μέσα στες νύχτες μου, κρυφά, συναντημένα ldr` rsdr mhçsdr lt qhe` rhm`mchldm`- Throughout the nights o my secret encounters I In the vestiule (190) Το πλούσιο σπίτι είχε στην είσοδο, sn oktrn rohsh!hçd rshm!hrncn In the vestiule o an oulent home, Έναν καθρέπτη μέγιστο, πολύ παλαιό,!dm`m `SqDosh ldhrsn onkh o`kdn There as a magniicent antique mirror, Τουλάχιστον προ ογδόντα ετών αγορασμένο stk`çhrsnm oqn!ncnmc`!dsnm!`nq`yldmn- That had een urchased over eighty years ago Ένα εμορφότατο παιδί, υπάλληλος σε ράπτη,!dm`!dlnqens`sn odch!ho`khknr rd q`osh There as also an exceedingly eautiul oy, the tailor s assistant, (Τες Κυριακές, ερασιτέχνης αθλητής) 'sdr hq`dr!dq`rhsdçmhr!`skhshr(- (ho haened to e an athlete on Sundays) Στέκονταν μ ένα δέμα Το παρέδοσε rsdnmc`m ldm` CDl`- sn o`qdcnrd e entered the vestiule ith a arcel e handed it over Σε κάποιον του σπιτιού, κι αυτός το πήγε μέσα rd `ohnm st rohsht h!`esnr sn ohd ldr` To a servant o the house, ho took it inside Να φέρει την απόδειξι Ο υπάλληλος του ράπτη m` edqh shm!`onchrh-!n!ho`khknr st q`osh To ind a receit The tailor s assistant Έμεινε μόνος, και περίμενε!dlhmd lnmnr D odqhldmd- as let y himsel, so he lingered there Πλησίασε στον καθρέπτη, και κυττάζονταν, okhrh`rd rsnm `SqDosh D hs`ynmc`m e aroached the mirror, gazed into it, Κ έσιαζε την κραβάτα του Μετά πέντε λεπτά, Dr`yD shm q`u`s` st- lds` odmcd kdos` And adusted his tie Ater ive minutes, Του φέραν την απόδειξι Την πήρε κ έφυγε st edq`m shm!`onchrh- shm ohqd DehD- The servant rought ack a receit The oy took it and ent aay Μα ο παλαιός καθρέπτης που είχε δει και δει, l`!n o`kdnr `SqDoshr ot!hçd ch D ch The antique mirror had relected again and again, Κατά την ύπαρξίν του την πολυετή, `s` shm!ho`qrhm st shm onkdsh Ater years in that vestiule, Χιλιάδες πράγματα και πρόσωπα; çhk`cdr oq`l`s` D oqnrno`: Uon thousands o eole and things; Μα ο παλαιός καθρέπτης τώρα χαίρονταν l`!n o`kdnr `SqDoshr snq` çdqnmc`m But on that day, the mirror gloed Κ επαίρονταν; που είχε δεχθεί επάνω του, DoDqnmc`m: ot!hçd CDçSh!Do`mn st ith quiet contentment; or in that short moment, Την άρτιαν εμορφιά για μερικά λεπτά shm!`qs`m!dlnqe` ` ldqh` kdos`- The long-orgotten mirror had ound erect eauty

4 isions (1916) Προσπάθησε να τα φυλάξεις, ποιητή; oqnro`shrd m` s` ehk`rhr ohhsh: Do everything that you can to rotect them, O oet; Όσο κι αν είναι λίγα αυτά που σταματιούνται!nrn h!`m!hmd kh`!`es` ot rs`l`stmcd- old on to as many o them as you can Του ερωτισμού σου τα οράματα st!dqnshylt rt s`!nq`l`s`- These are the visions o your assion, o your love Βάλ τα, μισοκρυμένα, μες στες φράσεις σου u`ks` lhrnqhldm` ldr rsdr eq`rhr rt- lace them saely, hal-hidden, in your lines Προσπάθησε να τα κρατήσεις, ποιητή; oqnro`shrd m` s` q`shrhr ohhsh: Do everything that you can to reserve them, O oet; Όταν διεγείρονται μες στο μυαλό σου,!ns`m CDhqnmcD ldr rsn l`kn rt henever they aaken in your mind, Την νύχτα, ή μες στην λάμψι του μεσημεριού shm mhçs`!h ldr rshm k`lorh st ldrhldqht- hether dee in the night, or under the midday sun I By chance (1917) Κοντά σε μια κατάφωτη προθήκη, nmc` rd l` `s`ensh oqnshh They stood near the indo o the toacconist s sho, Καπνοπωλείου εστέκονταν, ανάμεσα σ άλλους πολλούς `omnonkht!drsdnmc`m!`m`ldr` r`ktr onktr- Under the glare o the lights, in the croded room Τυχαίως, τα βλέμματά των συναντήθηκαν, shçdnr s` ukdl`s` snm rhm`mchsh`m By chance, their glances ound each other, Και την παράνομην επιθυμία της σαρκός των, D shm o`q`mnlhm!dohshlh` shr r`qnr snm And exressed the oridden desires o their lesh, Εξέφρασαν δειλά, διστακτικά!drdeq`r`m Chk` Chrs`sh`- And their ear, and their hesitation Έπειτα, ολίγα βήματα στο πεζοδρόμιο ανήσυχα,!dohs`!nkh` uhl`s` rsn odyncqnln!`mhrhç` Ater a e anxious stes along the sidealk, Ως που εμειδίασαν, κ ένευσαν ελαφρώς!nr ot!dlhch`r`m DmDer`m!Dk`eqnr- They smiled at each other and nodded, imercetily Και τότε πια το αμάξι το κλεισμένο, D snsd o` sn!`l`rh sn khyldmn inally, their carriage arrived, and ehind its closed doors, Το αισθητικό πλησίασμα των σωμάτων, sn!drshshn okhrh`yl` snm rnl`snm Longing dre together their odies, Τα ενωμένα χέρια, τα ενωμένα χείλη s`!dmnldm` çdq` s`!dmnldm` çhkh- And their hands, and their lis II Senses (1912) Επέστρεφε συχνά και παίρνε με,!dodrsqded rhçm` D odqmd ld Return to me oten, and take me, Αγαπημένη αίσθησις επέστρεφε και παίρνε με:!``ohldmh!drshrhr!dodrsqded D odqmd ld9 O senses that I love, return and take me: Όταν ξυπνά του σώματος η μνήμη,!ns`m rhom` st rnl`snr!h lmhlh Then my ody ill aaken, Κ επιθυμία παληά ξαναπερνά στο αίμα; DohShlh` o`kh` r`m`odqm` rsn!dl`: And the cravings I once elt ill lo in my lood again; Όταν τα χείλη και το δέρμα ενθυμούνται,!ns`m s` çhkh D sn CDql`!DmShltmcD Then my lis and my skin ill rememer, Κ αισθάνονται τα χέρια σαν ν αγγίζουν πάλι DrS`mnmcD s` çdq` r`m m`mhytm o`kh- And my hands ill understand ho to touch once more Επέστρεφε συχνά και παίρνε με την νύχτα,!dodrsqded rhçm` D odqmd ld shm mhçs` Return to me oten, and take me, in the night, Όταν τα χείλη και το δέρμα ενθυμούνται!ns`m s` çhkh D sn CDql` DmShltmcD- Then my lis and my skin ill rememer III Out o their ed (1921) Η εκπλήρωσις της έκνομής των ηδονής,!h!dokhqnrhr shr!dmnlhr snm!hcnmhr Ater their laless leasure as ulilled, Έγινεν Aπ το στρώμα σηκωθήκαν,!dhmdm-!`osn rsqnl` rhnsh`m They rose out o their ed, Και βιαστικά ντύνονται, χωρίς να μιλούν D u`rsh` chmnmcd çnqhr m` lhktm- And dressed quickly, ithout seaking Βγαίνουνε χωριστά, κρυφά απ το σπίτι; και καθώς; udmtmd çnqhrs` qhe`!`osn rohsh: D `Snr: They let searately, and secretly, rom the house; Βαδίζουνε κάπως ανήσυχα στον δρόμο, μοιάζει, u`chytmd `onr!`mhrhç` rsnm Cqnln lh`yh And as they steed cautiously outside, onto the street, Σαν να υποψιάζονται που κάτι επάνω των προδίδει, r`m m`!honor`ynmcd ot `sh!do`mn snm oqnchch They agonized that something ould give them aay, Σε τι είδους κλίνην έπεσαν προ ολίγου rd sh!hctr khmhm!dodr`m oqn!nkht- And reveal here they had een Πλην του τεχνίτου πώς εκέρδισε η ζωή; okhm st sdçmhst onr!ddqchrd!h ynh: And ater this day, the artist ill e rearded, in his lie; Aύριο, μεθαύριο, ή με τα χρόνια θα γραφούν,!`uqn lds`uqn!h ld s` çqnm` S` q`etm or tomorro, or the day ater, or some day to come, Οι στίχ οι δυνατοί που εδώ ήταν η αρχή των!h rshçh Chm`sh ot!dcn!hs`m!h!`qçh snm- e ill comose oerul verses that originated here IX alls (197) Χωρίς περίσκεψιν, χωρίς λύπην, χωρίς αιδώ, çnqhr odqhrdorhm çnqhr khohm çnqhr!dcn ithout regard, ithout regret, ithout resect, Μεγάλα κ υψηλά τριγύρω μου έκτισαν τείχη ld`k` horhk` sqhhqn lt!dshr`m shçh- They have uilt vast and toering alls around me Και κάθομαι και απελπίζομαι τώρα εδώ D `SnlD D!`oDkohynlD snq`!dcn- No I sit here, alone; I have given u every hoe Άλλο δεν σκέπτομαι: τον νουν μου τρώγει αυτή η τύχη;!`kn CDm rdosnld9 snm mtm lt sqnh!`esh!h shçh: I think o nothing else: my mind is comletely consumed y my ate; Διότι πράγματα πολλά έξω να κάμω είχον Cnsh oq`l`s` onk`!drn m` `ln!hçnm- I had so many things to accomlish in this orld A! όταν έκτιζαν τα τείχη πώς να μην προσέξω!`!ns`m!dshy`m s` shçh onr m` lhm oqnrdrn Ah! o could I not notice that they ere uilding these alls Aλλά δεν άκουσα ποτέ κρότον κτιστών ή ήχον!`k` CDm!`tr` onsd qnsnm shrsnm!h!hçnm- I heard nothing rom them; not a single sound Aνεπαισθήτως, μ έκλεισαν από τον κόσμον έξω!`mdodrshsnr ldkhr`m!`on snm nylnm!drn- Silently, they have removed me rom the rest o the orld X indos (190) Σ αυτές τες σκοτεινές κάμαρες, που περνώ r`esdr sdr rnshmdr `l`qdr ot odqmn In these sinister rooms, I suer every day; Μέρες βαρυές; επάνω κάτω τριγυρνώ ldqdr u`qdr:!do`mn `sn sqhhqmn- I ander ack and orth, searching or indos Για νάβρω τα παράθυρα Όταν ανοίξει ` m`uqn s` o`q`shq`-,!ns`m!`mhrh I I could ind a indo, and oen it, Ένα παράθυρο θάναι παρηγορία!dm` o`q`shqn S`mD o`qhnqh`- It ould e such a consolation Μα τα παράθυρα δεν βρίσκονται, ή δεν μπορώ l` s` o`q`shq` CDm uqhrnmcd!h CDm anqn But there are no indos here; or, at least,

5 Να τάβρω Και καλλίτερα ίσως να μην τα βρω m` s`uqn- D `khsdq`!hrnr m` lhm s` uqn- I cannot ind one erhas it is etter this ay Ίσως το φως θάναι μια νέα τυραννία!hrnr sn enr S`mD l` md` shq`mh`- Maye light ill reveal another orm o tyranny Ποιος ξέρει τι καινούρια πράγματα θα δείξει ohnr rdqh sh Dmtq` oq`l`s` S` Chrh ho can tell hat ne torment the day ill ring XI As i he never existed (192) Τον έχασ εντελώς, και τώρα πια ζητεί snm!dç`rdmcdknr D snq` o` yhsh e has lost his lover comletely, and no he searches Στα χείλη καθενός καινούριου εραστή rs` çhkh `SDmnr Dmtqt!Dq`rsh- or him in the lis o every other lover Τα χείλη τα δικά του στην ένωσι με κάθε s` çhkh s` Ch` st rshm!dmnrh ld `SD And hile his lis are oined ith another man s lis, Καινούριον εραστή ζητεί να πλανηθεί Dmtqnm!Dq`rsh yhsh m` ok`mhsh e ishes to e misled, to elieve that this ne lover Πως είναι ο ίδιος νέος, πως δίδεται σ εκείνον onr!hmd!n!hcnr mdnr onr ChCDsD rdhmnm- Is that same young man to hom he gave his heart Τον έχασ εντελώς, σαν να μη υπήρχε καν snm!dç`rdmcdknr r`m m` ld!hohqçd `m- e has lost his lover comletely, as i he never existed Γιατί ήθελε είπ εκείνος ήθελε να σωθεί `sh!hsdkd,!hodhmnr,!hsdkd m` rnsh e said that he anted to e saved Aπ την στιγματισμένη την νοσηρά ηδονή,!`oshm rshl`shyldmh shm mnrhq`!hcnmh rom the sinul stain o shameul leasure, Aπ την στιγματισμένη του αίσχους ηδονή!`oshm rshl`shyldmh st!drçtr!hcnmh- rom the immoral mark o delightul destruction Ήταν καιρός ακόμη ως είπε να σωθεί!hs`m Dqnr!`nlh,!nr!hoD, m` rnsh- There as still time, he said, to e saved Τον έχασ εντελώς, σαν να μη υπήρχε καν snm!dç`rdmcdknr r`m m` ld!hohqçd `m- e has lost his lover comletely, as i he never existed Aπό την φαντασίαν, από τες παραισθήσεις,!`on shm e`mc`rh`m!`on sdr o`qdrshrhr But in his dreams, in his antasies, Στα χείλη άλλων νέων τα χείλη του ζητεί; rs` çhkh!`knm mdnm s` çhkh st yhsh: And hile his lis are oined ith another s lis, he searches; Γυρεύει να αισθανθεί ξανά τον έρωτά του hqduh m`!drs`msh r`m` snm!dqns` st- e anders in circles, as he tries to ind love again XII Bodies (1919) Η ώρα μια την νύχτα θάτανε, ή μιάμισυ!h!nq` l` shm mhçs` S`s`mD!h l`lhrh- It haened around one in the morning, maye one-thirty Σε μια γωνιά του καπηλειού; πίσω απ το ξύλινο το χώρισμα rd l` nm` st `ohkht: ohrn!`osn rhkhmn sn çnqhyl`- e met there, in the corner o the ine sho, ehind the ooden screen Εκτός ημών των δυο το μαγαζί όλως διόλου άδειο!dsnr!hlnm snm Cn sn l``yh!nknr Cnkt!`Chn- And other than the to o us, the store as comletely emty Μια λάμπα πετρελαίου μόλις το φώτιζε l` k`la` odsqdkdt lnkhr sn enshyd- A lantern illed ith oil gloed sotly Κοιμούντανε, στην πόρτα, ο αγρυπνισμένος υπηρέτης hltmc`md rshm onqs`!n!`qhomhyldmnr!hohqdshr- The clerk as at the door, keeing his vigil, aslee Δεν θα μας έβλεπε κανείς CDm S` l`r!dukdod `mhr- No one could see us Μα κιόλας είχαμεν εξαφθεί τόσο πολύ, l` nk`r!hç`ldm!dr`esh snrn onkh e ere oth so quickly excited, Που γίναμε ακατάλληλοι για προφυλάξεις ot hm`ld!``s`khkh ` oqnehk`rhr- That e lost every sense o recaution Τα ενδύματα μισοανοίχθηκαν πολλά δεν ήσαν s`!dmchl`s` lhrn`mhçsh`m, onk` CDm!hr`m Our hal-oened clothing as already sare, Γιατί επύρωνε θείος Ιούλιος μήνας `sh!dohqnmd Shnr tknr lhm`r- hen e met in that suerlatively seltering month, uly Σάρκας απόλαυσις ανάμεσα στα μισοανοιγμένα ενδύματα, r`q`r!`onk`erhr!`m`ldr` rs` lhrn`mhldm`!dmchl`s` Our odies ound delight as e disroed, hoever hastily, Γρήγορο σάρκας γύμνωμα qhnqn r`q`r hlmnl` Discovering ourselves and one another, aleit tenderly; Που το ίνδαλμά του είκοσι έξι χρόνους διάβηκε, ot sn!hmc`kl` st!hnrh!drh çqnmtr C`uhD Our essence has survived ater tenty-six years, Και τώρα ήλθε να μείνει μες στην ποίησιν αυτή D snq`!hksd m` lhmh ldr rshm ohhrhm!`esh- And resides here, in this oetry XIII Into the shining night (191) Δεν εδεσμεύθηκα Τελείως αφέθηκα κ επήγα CDm!DCDylDeSh`- sdkhnr!`edsh` Doh`- I did not hold ack I surrendered comletely; I ent Στες απολαύσεις, που μισό πραγματικές, rsdr!`onk`erhr ot lhrn oq`l`shdr As I aroached my on ecstasy, hal o it as real, Μισό γυρνάμενες μες στο μυαλό μου ήσαν lhrn hqm`ldmdr ldr rsn l`kn lt!hr`m- And hal o it as antasy, merely in my mind Επήγα μες στην φωτισμένη νύχτα,!doh` ldr rshm enshyldmh mhçs` Even so, into the shining night, I ent, Κ ήπια από δυνατά κρασιά, καθώς ho`!`on Chm`s` q`r` `Snr And I artook o oerul ines, like those Που πίνουν οι ανδρείοι της ηδονής ot ohmtm!h!`mcqhh shr!hcnmhr- That chamions drink, ith delectale leasure XI Desires (191) Σώμα, θυμήσου όχι μόνο το πόσο αγαπήθηκες, rnl` Shlhrt!nçh lnmn sn onrn!``ohshdr O ody, rememer not only ho much you ere loved, Όχι μονάχα τα κρεββάτια όπου πλάγιασες,!nçh lnm`ç` s` qdu`s`!not ok``rdr Rememer not only the eds here you reclined, Αλλά κ εκείνες τες επιθυμίες που για σένα:!`k` DhmDr sdr!dohshlhdr ot ` rdm`9 But also rememer the desires that you aakened in others: Γυάλιζαν μες στα μάτια φανερά, h`khy`m ldr rs` l`s` e`mdq` Desires that gloed rightly in their eyes, Κ ετρέμανε μες στην φωνή, και κάποιο DsqDl`mD ldr rshm enmh D `ohn And tremled in their voices, desires that, Τυχαίον εμπόδιο τες ματαίωσε shçdnm!dlancn sdr l`sdnrd- or hatever reason, vanished Τώρα που είναι όλα πια μέσα στο παρελθόν, snq` ot!hmd!nk` o` ldr` rsn o`qdksnm No that all o those memories are in the distant ast, Μοιάζει σχεδόν και στες επιθυμίες lh`yh rçdcnm D rsdr!dohshlhdr It almost seems as i you surrendered Εκείνες σαν να δόθηκες, πώς γυάλιζαν!!dhmdr r`m m` CnShDr onr h`khy`m To those very same desires, and ho rightly they gloed! Θυμήσου, μες στα μάτια που σε κύτταζαν, Shlhrt ldr rs` l`s` ot rd hs`y`m- Rememer them, in the eyes that gaze uon you, Πώς έτρεμαν μες στην φωνή, για σε, θυμήσου, σώμα onr DsqDl`m ldr rshm enmh ` rd Shlhrt rnl`- And in the voices that tremle or you Rememer them, O ody

6 X Don the street (1916) Το συμπαθητικό του πρόσωπο, κομμάτι ωχρό; sn rhla`shshn st oqnrnon nl`sh!nçqn: is symathetic ace as slightly ale; Τα καστανά του μάτια, σαν κομένα; s` `rs`m` st l`s` r`m nldm`: is chestnut-colored eyes aeared a it drosy; Είκοσι πέντ ετών, πλην μοιάζει μάλλον είκοσι,!hnrh odmcdsnm okhm lh`yh l`knm!hnrh And at tenty-ive years old, he came across as only tenty; Με κάτι καλλιτεχνικό στο ντύσιμό του: ld `sh `khsdçmhn rsn chrhln st9 Something aout the ay he dressed suggested a certain artistry: Τίποτε χρώμα της κραβάτας, σχήμα του κολλάρου; shonsd çqnl` shr q`u`s`r rçhl` st nk`qt: In the color o his tie, in the silhouette o his collar; Ασκόπως περπατεί μες στην οδό,!`rnonr odqo`sh ldr rshm!ncn And aimlessly he sauntered don the street, Ακόμη σαν υπνωτισμένος απ την άνομη ηδονή,!`nlh r`m!homnshyldmnr!`oshm!`mnlh!hcnmh Still hynotized, it seemed, y secret leasures, Από την πολύ άνομη ηδονή που απέκτησε!`on shm onkh!`mnlh!hcnmh ot!`odshrd- The most oridden o hich he had only ust enoyed XI Ostacles (190) Aπ όσα έκαμα κι απ όσα είπα,!`onr`!d`l` h!`onr`!ho` Ater all I have said, and ater all I have done, Να μη ζητήσουνε να βρουν ποιος ήμουν m` lh yhshrtmd m` uqtm ohnr!hltm- Let no one discover ho I truly as Εμπόδιο στέκονταν και μεταμόρφωνε!dlancn rsdnmc`m D lds`lnqenmd Ostacles stood eore me and transormed me; Τες πράξεις και τον τρόπο της ζωής μου sdr oq`rhr D snm sqnon shm ynhr lt- They altered my actions, and changed the ay that I lived Εμπόδιο στέκονταν και σταματούσε με!dlancn rsdnmc`m D rs`l`strd ld Ostacles stood eore me and rought me to a standstill; Πολλές φορές που πήγαινα να πω onkdr enqdr ot ohdm` m` on- They silenced me henever I anted to seak out Οι πιο απαρατήρητές μου πράξεις!h on!`o`q`shqhsdr lt oq`rhr rom my unnoticed actions Και τα γραψίματά μου τα πιο σκεπασμένα, D s` q`orhl`s` lt s` on rdo`yldm` To my most surretitious deeds, Aπό εκεί μονάχα θα με νιώσουν!`on!dh lnm`ç` S` ld mnrtm- By these things alone others ill kno me Aλλά ίσως δεν αξίζει να καταβληθεί!`k`!hrnr CDm!`rhyh m` `s`ukhsh oever, it may not e orth all the eort Τόση φροντίς και τόσος κόπος να με μάθουν snrh eqnmchr D snrnr nonr m` ld l`stm- Or ainstaking care ust to ind out ho I as Κατόπι, στην τελειοτέρα κοινωνία, `snoh rshm sdkhnsdq` hmnmh` In the uture, in a more erect orld, Κανένας άλλος καμωμένος σαν εμένα `mdm`r!`knr `lnldmnr r`m!dldm` Some ortunate man, created ust like I am, ill ind himsel Βέβαια θα φανεί κ ελεύθερα θα κάμει udud` S` e`mh DkDeSDq` S` `lh- Ale to live ithout shameulness or hesitation, and e ree XII On the soa (192) Ήλθε για να διαβάσει Είν ανοιχτά!hksd ` m` C`u`rh-!hm`mhçs` e came here to study In ront o him, there ere Δυο, τρία βιβλία: ιστορικοί και ποιηταί Cn sqh` uhukh`9!hrsnqhh D ohhsd- To or three oen ooks: o history and oetry Μα μόλις διάβασε δέκα λεπτά, l` lnkhr C`u`rD CD` kdos` e read rom these ooks or nearly ten minutes, Και τα παραίτησε Στον καναπέ, D s` o`qdshrd- rsnm `m`od And then he aandoned them As he read, on the soa, Μισοκοιμάται Aνήκει πλήρως στα βιβλία, lhrnhl`sd-!`mhh okhqnr rs` uhukh` Slumer ound him Alays devoted to his ooks, Αλλ είναι είκοσι τριώ ετών, κ είν έμορφος πολύ!`khmd!hnrh sqn!dsnm hmdlnqenr onkh- e as only tenty-three, and quite handsome Και σήμερα το απόγευμα πέρασ ο έρως D rhldq` sn!`ondul` odq`rn!dqnr Earlier in the aternoon, his laless lesh Στην ιδεώδη σάρκα του, στα χείλη rshm!hcdnch r`q` st rs` çhkh- And his erect lis delighted in a moment o assion Στη σάρκα του που είναι όλο καλλονή rsh r`q` st ot!hmd!nkn `knmh is desires gre more ervent Η θέρμη πέρασεν η ερωτική,!h SDqlh odq`rdm!h!dqnshh Throughout his exquisite orm, Χωρίς αστείαν αιδώ για την μορφή της απολαύσεως çnqhr!`rsh`m!dcn ` shm lnqeh shr!`onk`erdnr- And he elt no shame, as he ulilled his on ecstasy XIII Shados (1920) Ένα κερί αρκεί!dm` Dqh!`qh- One candle is enough; Το φως του το αμυδρό, sn enr st sn!`lhcqn Its gentle lickering Αρμόζει πιο καλά,!`qlnyh on `k` ill e more gracious, Θάναι πιο συμπαθές, S`mD on rhla`sdr And e more elcoming, Σαν έρθουν της αγάπης, r`m!dqstm shr!``ohr hen the shados arrive, Σαν έρθουν η σκιές r`m!dqstm!h rdr- The shados o love Ένα κερί αρκεί!dm` Dqh!`qh- One candle is enough; Η κάμαρη απόψι!h `l`qh!`onorh Tonight, my room Να μη έχει φως πολύ m` lh!dçh enr onkh- ill not glo so right Μέσα στην ρέμβην όλως, ldr` rshm qdluhm!nknr In my deeest o dreams, Και την υποβολή, D shm!honunkh And all they reveal, Και με το λίγο φως ; D ld sn khn enr: There is very little light; Μέσα στην ρέμβην έτσι, ldr` rshm qdluhm!dsrh In these deeest o dreams, Θα οραματισθώ, S`!nq`l`shrSn My visions are real, Για νάρθουν της αγάπης, ` m`qstm sdr!``ohr And the shados ill come, Για νάρθουν η σκιές ` m`qstm!h rdr- The shados o love

7 I rologue 1 relectively Aroaching ecstasy Eric Banks 1 q»60 D C B E n G A 1 1 q» Coyright 2012 All rights reserved y the comoser

8

9 9 9 9 II Candles [English] The 9 9 9

10 5 days o our u-ture stand e - ore us; they ait, like a ro o urn-ing cand-les: gol-den, vi-vid, and arm The 51 days o our ast re - main e - hind us; they lin - ger, in a ro o ex - tin -guished cand - les: those clo-ser to us are still 56 smo-king and curved, ex - res-sion-less, mel-ted, and cold I ill not look at them; it ould sad-den me to and re see them no, 61 mem - er their o - ri - gi - nal light I look a - head, to my cand-les that ait and glo I ill not turn 66 ack, lest I see the ast and shud-der: ho sit - ly the dark and smol-der - ing line leng - thens, ho

11 70 17 quick- ly the se- ries o sti - led cand - les gros e» e» III Candles [Greek] ith treidation D n C B E G n A - solo - n n n st ld, knm, cnr!h n n n n n n n dim n n ld, qdr rsd, nm,cdl,aqn, n n n n n n

12 76 76 rs` l`r: r` l` rh, q` D, q`, `!`, m`, ld, m`9 çqh, r` yd, rs` D yn, h, q` D, n n n n n n n n n n 76 n n n 76 n 76 n 76 n n n 7 7 q`, `-!h od, q`y, ld, mdr ld, qdr oh, rn n n n n n ld, mtm: l` Skh, ud, qh q`, lh D, qnm yuhy, n n n n 7 n n n 7 n n 7 n n 7 n 6 n n

13 0 ld, mnm9 s` on nm, c` u`, ytm `o,mnm!`, n, lh qh, ` D, q` kn, ld,m` D hq, 0 n n n n n n n n n n 0 n n n 0 n 0 n 0 n n n 2 2 s`- CDm SD, kn m` s` 2 n n n n n n ukd, on: ld kh, oh!h lnq, n n n n n n 2 n 2 n 2 n 7 n

14 eh snm D ld kh, oh sn oqn, sn enr snm m` Sh, lt, ld-!dl,aqnr h, s`, yn s`,m`,ld, m` lt D, n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 6 6 q`- CDm SD, kn m` h, n n n n n qh, rn m` lh Cn D n n n n 6 n n n n 6 n 6 n 6 n n

15 eqh, rn9 sh qh,n,q` ot!h rn, sh, mh q`,lh l`, qd, mh sh qh,n,q` ot s` yuh,rs` D,q` okh, SD, mtm- n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n - solo n n n n n I ith the touch o his hands [English] n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n q»69 q»69 Some-one next to me mum-ledsome-thingsot-ly, 91 n n n n n n n n dim n n 9 n n n n n n n n n n n n N

16 9 and caused me to glance o - ver, toard the en-trance o the ca - é There I sa some-one so eau - ti-ul, it as as i 9 Love him - sel had cre - a - ted him on his ve - ry est day: sha - ing his sym - me - tri - cal lims ith lea - sure; 102 mea - su - ring his ell - scul-ted rame ith a - tience; a - shio-ning his ace ith ev - ery e - mo - tion; and 106 lea - ving e - hind, ith the touch o his hands, on - ly an im - rint on his ro, on his eyes, and on his 10

17 110 n n n 16 lis n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n solo oco accel n n n n n n ith the touch o his hands [Greek] murmuring q» D n C n B E n n G n A n π shm oqn, rn, çh lt `, sh ot!h, o`m ok`, h q»

18 117 π shm oqn, rn, çh lt `, sh ot!h, o`m ok`, h lt 117 lt CDe, Sh, md rst `, ed, mh, t shm!h, rn, Cn CDe, Sh, md rst `, ed, mh, t shm!h, rn, Cn aestruck ith eauty h, C` h, C` sn, qd, n sn, qd, n rn, l` ot rn, l` ot!d, lh, `,

19 12!D, lh, `, yd r`m `o, shm!`, q` oh,, q` st m` sn, `, ldm 12 yd r`m `o, shm!`, q` oh, q` st m` sn, `, ldm!n!d, qnr tenuto simile tenuto simile tenuto simile tenuto simile 126!n!D, qnr ok`, snm, c`r s` rh, ld, sqh, ` st ld, kh ld ç`, 126 ok`, snm, c`r s` rh, ld, sqh, ` st ld,, kh ld ç`, q`:

20 q`:!h, orn,!h, orn, mnm, c`r kho, sn mnm, c`r kho, sn sn!`, m`, sn!`, m`, rsh, l`: rsh, l`: ok`, snm, c`r ok`, snm, c`r ld rhm, h, ld rhm, h, mh, rh sn oqn, mh, rh sn oqn, rn, on: rn, on: h ƒ ƒ h!`, eh, mnm,!`, eh, mnm, c`r!`o, snm çdq,