Die Guten gehen im gleichen Schritt. Ohne von ihnen zu wissen, tanzen die andern um sie die Tänze der Zeit.
Kafka-Fragmente
Song Cycle by György Kurtág (b. 1926)
Translated to:
French (Français) — Fragments de Kafka (Guy Laffaille)
1a. Die Guten gehn im gleichen Schritt ...  [sung text checked 1 time]
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Good soldiers march in time", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Les bons marchent d'un même pas...", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1b. Wie ein Weg im Herbst  [sung text checked 1 time]
Wie ein Weg im Herbst: Kaum ist er reingekehrt, bedeckt er sich wieder mit den trockenen Blättern.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Like a path in autumn", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Comme un chemin en automne", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1c. Verstecke  [sung text checked 1 time]
Verstecke sind unzählige, Rettung nur eine, aber Möglichkeiten Der Rettung wieder so viele wie Verstecke.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Hiding places", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Cachettes", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1d. Ruhelos
— Tacet —
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Agité"
1e. Berceuse I  [sung text checked 1 time]
Schlage deinen Mantel, hoher Traum, um das Kind.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "First Berceuse", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Berceuse I", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1f. Nimmermehr (Excommunicatio)  [sung text checked 1 time]
Nimmermehr, nimmermehr kehrst Du wieder in die Städte, nimmermehr tönt die große Glocke über Dir.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , "Nevermore (Excommunicatio)", copyright © 2011, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Nevermore (Excommunication)", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Jamais plus (Excommunication)", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- IRI Irish (Gaelic) [singable] (Gabriel Rosenstock) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1g. "Wenn er mich immer frägt"  [sung text checked 1 time]
"Wenn er mich immer frägt." Das ä, losgelöst vom Satz, flog dahin wie ein Ball auf der Wiese.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1h. Es zupfte jemand am Kleid  [sung text checked 1 time]
Es zupfte jemand am Kleid, aber ich schüttelte ihn ab.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Someone tugged at my dress", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Quelqu'un tira sur mes habits", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1i. Die Weißnäherinnen  [sung text checked 1 time]
Die Weißnäherinnen in den Regengüssen.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "The seamstresses", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Les lavandières", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1j. Szene am Bahnhof  [sung text checked 1 time]
Die Zuschauer erstarren, wenn der Zug vorbeifährt.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Scene at the station", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Scène à la gare", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1k. Sonntag, den 19. Juli 1910 (Berceuse II)  [sung text checked 1 time]
Geschlafen, aufgewacht, geschlafen, aufgewacht, elendes Leben.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , copyright © 2011, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- IRI Irish (Gaelic) [singable] (Gabriel Rosenstock) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1l. Meine Ohrmuschel...  [sung text checked 1 time]
Meine Ohrmuschel fühlte sich frisch, rauh, kühl, saftig an wie ein Blatt.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "My ear...", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Mon oreille...", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1m. Einmal brach ich mir das Bein  [sung text checked 1 time]
Einmal brach ich mir das Bein, es war das schönste Erlebnis meines Lebens.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Once I broke my leg", subtitle: "Hassidic Dance", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Une fois je me suis cassé la jambe", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1n. Umpanzert  [sung text checked 1 time]
Einen Augenblick lang fühlte ich mich umpanzert.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "I felt armored", subtitle: "Bombproof", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Revêtu d'une cuirasse", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1o. Zwei Spazierstöcke  [sung text checked 1 time]
Auf Balzacs Spazierstockgriff: ich breche alle Hindernisse. Auf meinem: Mich brechen alle Hindernisse. Gemeinsam ist das "alle".
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Two walking sticks", subtitle: " (Authentic - Plagal)", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Deux bâtons de marche", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1p. Keine Rückkehr  [sung text checked 1 time]
Von einem gewissen Punkt an gibt es keine Rückkehr mehr. Dieser Punkt ist zu erreichen.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "No going back", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Plus de retour", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1q. Stolz (1910/15. November, zehn Uhr)  [sung text checked 1 time]
Ich werde mich nicht müde werden lassen. Ich werde in meine Novelle hineinspringen und wenn es mir das Gesicht zerschneiden sollte.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Proud (November 15, 1910, 10 o'clock)", subtitle: "I won't let myself get tired.", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Fierté (1910, 15 novembre, dix heures)", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1r. Träumend hing die Blume  [sung text checked 1 time]
Träumend hing die Blume am hohen Stengel. Abenddämmerung umzog sie.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Dreaming, hung the flower", subtitle: "Homage to Schumann", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "La fleur rêvant accrochée", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
1s. Nichts dergleichen  [sung text checked 1 time]
Nichts dergleichen, nichts dergleichen.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Nothing of the kind", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Rien de tout cela", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
2. Der wahre Weg  [sung text checked 1 time]
Der wahre Weg geht über ein Seil, das nicht in der Höhe gespannt ist, sondern knapp über dem Boden. Es scheint mehr bestimmt, stolpern zu machen, als begangen zu werden.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "The true path", subtitle: "Homage - message to Pierre Boulez", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Le vrai chemin", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3a. Haben? Sein?  [sung text checked 1 time]
Es gibt kein Haben, nur ein Sein, nur ein nach letzen Atem, nach Ersticken verlangendes Sein.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Having? Being?", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Avoir ? Être ?", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3b. Der Coitus als Bestrafung  [sung text checked 1 time]
Der Coitus als Bestrafung des Glückes des Beisammenseins.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Sex as Punishment", subtitle: "Song of Mary Magdalen", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Le coït est une punition", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3c. Meine Festung  [sung text checked 1 time]
Meine Gefängniszelle -- meine Festung.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "My Fortress", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Ma forteresse", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3d. Schmutzig bin ich, Milena...  [sung text checked 1 time]
Schmutzig bin ich, Milena, endlos schmutzig, darum mache ich ein solches Geschrei mit der Reinheit. Niemand singt so rein als die, welche in der tiefsten Hölle sind; was wir für den Gesang der Engel halten, ist ihr Gesang.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "I'm filthy, Milena", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Je suis sale, Milena...", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3e. Elendes Leben  [sung text checked 1 time]
Geschlafen, aufgewacht, geschlafen, aufgewacht, elendes Leben.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
Go to the single-text view
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Sharon Krebs) , copyright © 2011, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- IRI Irish (Gaelic) [singable] (Gabriel Rosenstock) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3f. Der begrenzte Kreis  [sung text checked 1 time]
Der begrenzte Kreis ist rein.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "The closed circle", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Le cercle restreint", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3g. Ziel, Weg, Zögern  [sung text checked 1 time]
Es gibt ein Ziel, aber keinen Weg; was wir Weg nehmen, ist Zögern.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Goal, Path, Hesitation", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "But, chemin, hésitation", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3h. So fest  [sung text not yet checked]
So fest wie die Hand den Stein hält. Sie hält ihn aber fest, nur um ihn desto weiter zu verwerfen. Aber auch in jene Weite führt der Weg.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
See other settings of this text.
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3i. Penetrant jüdisch  [sung text checked 1 time]
Im Kampf zwischen dir und der Welt sekundiere der Welt.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Pushy Jewish Thought", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Juif pénétrant", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3j. Verstecke  [sung text not yet checked]
Verstecke sind unzählige, Rettung nur eine, aber Möglichkeiten Der Rettung wieder so viele wie Verstecke.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
Go to the single-text view
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Hiding places", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Cachettes", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3k. Staunend sahen wir das große Pferd  [sung text not yet checked]
Staunend sahen wir das große Pferd. Es durchbrach das Dach unserer Stube. Der bewölkte Himmel zog sich schwach entlang des gewaltigen Umrisses, und rauschend flog die Mähne im Wind.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
See other settings of this text.
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "We were amazed to see the large horse", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Étonnés nous avons vu le grand cheval", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
3l. Szene in der Elektrischen  [sung text checked 1 time]
Die Tänzerin Eduardowa, eine Liebhaberin in der Musik, fährt wie Überall so auch in der Elektrischen in Begleitung zweier Violinisten, die sie häufig spielen läßt. Denn es besteht kein verbot, warum in der Elektrischen nicht gespielt werden dürfte, wenn das Spiel gut, den Mitfahrenden angenehm ist und nichts kostet, das heißt, wenn nachher nicht eingesammelt wird. Es ist allerdings im Anfang ein wenig überraschend, und ein Weilchen lang findet jeder, es sei unpassend. Aber bei voller Fahrt, starkem Luftzug und stiller Gasse klingt es hübsch.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Scene on a Streetcar, 1910", subtitle: "In a dream I asked the dancer Eduardowa if she would deign to dance the csárdás again", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Scène dans le tramway", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4a. Zu spät (22. Oktober 1913)  [sung text checked 1 time]
Zu spät. Die Süßigkeit der Trauer und der Liebe. Von ihr angelächelt werden im Boot. Das war das Allerschönste. Immer nur das Verlangen, zu sterben und das Sich-noch-Halten, das allein ist Liebe.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Too late (October 22, 1913)", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Trop tard : 22 octobre 1913", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4b. Eine lange Geschichte  [sung text checked 1 time]
Ich sehe einem Mädchen in die Augen, und es war eine sehr lange Liebesgeschichte mit Donner und Küssen und Blitz. Ich lebe rasch.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "A long story", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Une longue histoire", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4c. In memoriam Robert Klein  [sung text checked 1 time]
Noch spielen die Jagdhunde im Hof, aber das Wild entgeht ihnen nicht,
so sehr es jetzt schon durch die Wälder jagt.
[ ... ]
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924), written 1917
See other settings of this text.
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4d. Aus einem alten Notizbuch  [sung text checked 1 time]
Jetzt am Abend, nachdem ich von sechs Uhr früh an gelernt habe, bemerke ich, wie meine linke Hand die Rechte schon ein Weilchen lang aus Mitleid bei den Fingern umfaßt hielt.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "From an old notebook", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "D'un vieux cahier", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4e. Leoparden  [sung text checked 1 time]
Leoparden brechen in den Tempel ein und saufen die Opferkrüge leer: das wiederholt sich immer wieder: schließlich kann man es vorausberechnen, und es wird ein Teil der Zeremonie.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Leopards", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Les léopards", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4f. In memoriam Joannis Pilinszky  [sung text checked 1 time]
Ich kann...nicht eigentlich erzählen, ja fast nicht einmal reden; wenn ich erzähle, habe ich meistens ein Gefühl, wie es kleine Kinder haben könnten, die die ersten Gehversuche machen.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "In memory of Joannis Pilinssky", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "À la mémoire de Joannis Pilinszky", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4g. Wiederum, wiederum  [sung text checked 1 time]
Wiederum, wiederum, weit verbannt, weit verbannt. Berge, Wüste, weites Land gilt es zu durchwandern.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Once again, once again", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Encore une fois, encore une fois", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
4h. Es blendete uns die Mondnacht...  [sung text checked 1 time]
Es blendete uns die Mondnacht. Vögel schrien von Baum zu Baum. In den Feldern sauste es. Wir krochen durch den Staub, ein Schlangenpaar.
Authorship:
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "We were blinded by moonlight", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Le clair de lune nous éblouissait...", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission