Les Cloches (Claude Debussy)
Music files
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CPDL #20092:
- Editor: David Solomons (submitted 2009-09-04). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 57 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Number of voices: 6vv Voicing: SSATBB
(accompanying the Soprano solo) - Edition notes: This arrangement of Debussy's Les Cloches takes the piano part and gives the notes to the choir so as to produce a bell-like effect.
The mp3 file that can be heard on the external page is performed by the arranger in a lower transposition (multitracking)
CPDL #17549:
- Editor: David Newman (submitted 2008-07-18). Score information: Letter, 3 pages Copyright: Public Domain
- Edition notes: Editions in A Minor and C sharp Minor. English translation by Isabella G. Parker
General Information
Title: Les Cloches
Composer: Claude Debussy
Lyricist: Paul Bourgetcreate page (1852-1935)
Number of voices: 1v Voicing: Soprano solo
Genre: Secular, Art song
Language: French
Instruments: Piano
Published: Deux Romances, No. 1 - 1891
Description: Original key is G flat Major.
External websites:
- Entry at the "Lied and Art Song Texts Page"
- English translation at the "Lied and Art Song Texts Page"
- Italian translation at the "Lied and Art Song Texts Page"
- German translation at the "Lied and Art Song Texts Page"
- Les Cloches (Video of performance by David Solomons)
Original text and translations
French text
Les feuilles s’ouvraient sur le bord des branches,
délicatement.
Les cloches tintaient, légères et franches,
dans le ciel clément.
Rythmique et fervent comme une antienne,
ce lointain appel
me remémorait la blancheur chrétienne
des fleurs de l’autel.
Ces cloches parlaient d’heureuses années,
et, dans le grand bois,
semblaient reverdir les feuilles fanées,
des jours d’autrefois.
English translation
singing translation by David Solomons
The leaves unfurled on branches
so lightly delicate and soft.
The bells rang out so light
and free in the cloudless sky.
Rhythmical and fervent a distant call
like the anthems of old
Called to mind the pure white
lilies on holy altar's sacrifice.
Those bells spoke to me
of happier times now gone
And in the great wood
they seemed to revive the faded leaves
of days long since passed.