Spectre des Nuits

2013
for four sopranos
First page of the composition
Score available on request

Duration: 12 minutes
Commissioned by Voix de Stras'
A second version, Spectre des Nuits II, exists for four sopranos and four clarinets.

About

As long as my eyes can shed tears
For the time spent with you I regret,
And as long as my voice can resist
Sobs and sighs, and still make itself heard;

As long as my hand can pluck the strings
Of the sweet lute, to sing your graces;
As long as my spirit is content
To desire nothing but to understand you,

I do not yet wish to die.
But, when I feel my eyes run dry,
My voice broken, and my hand powerless,

And my spirit in this mortal stay
No longer able to show signs of a lover,
I will pray for death to darken my brightest day.


Louise Labé, As long as my eyes can shed tears (1555)

Detailed instrumentation

  • 4 sopranos

Highlights

  • Apr 7, 2018
    Pigna (Corse, FR)

    Vocal Ensemble Mora Vocis

  • Mar 24, 2013
    Strasbourg (FR)

    Vocal Ensemble “Voix de Stras” conducted by Catherine Bolzinger

  • Mar 13, 2013
    Strasbourg (FR)

    Vocal Ensemble “Voix de Stras” conducted by Catherine Bolzinger

  • Mar 8, 2013
    Strasbourg (FR)

    Vocal Ensemble “Voix de Stras” conducted by Catherine Bolzinger

    Premiere