Fragments de Kafka

Translations © by Guy Laffaille

Song Cycle by György Kurtág (b. 1926)

View original-language texts alone: Kafka-Fragmente

1a. Die Guten gehn im gleichen Schritt ...
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Guten gehen im gleichen Schritt. 
Ohne von ihnen zu wissen, tanzen die andern 
um sie die Tänze der Zeit.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1a. Les bons marchent d'un même pas...
Language: French (Français) 
Les bons marchent d'un même pas.
Sans le savoir, les autres dansent
autour d'eux la danse du temps.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1b. Wie ein Weg im Herbst
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie ein Weg im Herbst: Kaum ist er reingekehrt, 
bedeckt er sich wieder mit den trockenen Blättern.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1b. Comme un chemin en automne
Language: French (Français) 
Comme un chemin en automne : à peine est-il balayé,
qu'il est recouvert à nouveau de feuilles mortes.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1c. Verstecke
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Verstecke sind unzählige, Rettung nur eine, 
aber Möglichkeiten Der Rettung wieder 
so viele wie Verstecke.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1c. Cachettes
Language: French (Français) 
Il y a d'innombrables cachettes, mais seulement un salut,
mais à nouveau il y a autant de chemins vers le salut
que de cachettes.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1d. Ruhelos
— Tacet —

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1d. Agité
— Tacet —

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Translation
1e. Berceuse I
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Schlage deinen Mantel, hoher Traum, um das Kind.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1e. Berceuse I
Language: French (Français) 
Pose ton manteau, rêve d'en haut, autour de l'enfant.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1f. Nimmermehr (Excommunicatio)
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nimmermehr, nimmermehr kehrst Du wieder in die Städte,
nimmermehr tönt die große Glocke über Dir.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1f. Jamais plus (Excommunication)
Language: French (Français) 
Jamais plus, jamais plus tu ne reviendras dans les cités,
jamais plus ne retentira la grosse cloche au-dessus de toi.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1g. "Wenn er mich immer frägt"
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
"Wenn er mich immer frägt." 
Das ä, losgelöst vom Satz,
flog dahin wie ein Ball auf der Wiese.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1g.
Language: French (Français) 
« Mais il m'interrogeait toujours. »
Ce « ah », détaché de la phrase,
volait comme une balle sur la prairie.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1h. Es zupfte jemand am Kleid
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es zupfte jemand am Kleid, 
aber ich schüttelte ihn ab.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1h. Quelqu'un tira sur mes habits
Language: French (Français) 
Quelqu'un tira sur mes habits,
mais je les secouai.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1i. Die Weißnäherinnen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Weißnäherinnen in den Regengüssen.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1i. Les lavandières
Language: French (Français) 
Les lavandières dans les ondées.

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1j. Szene am Bahnhof
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Zuschauer erstarren, wenn der Zug vorbeifährt.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1j. Scène à la gare
Language: French (Français) 
Les spectateurs gèlent quand le train passe.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1k. Sonntag, den 19. Juli 1910 (Berceuse II)
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Geschlafen, aufgewacht, geschlafen, aufgewacht,
elendes Leben.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1k. Dimanche, 19 juillet 1910 Berceuse II
Language: French (Français) 
Dormir, s'éveiller, dormir, s'éveiller,
vie misérable.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translations of title(s):
"Elendes Leben" = "Vie misérable"
"Sonntag, den 19. Juli 1910 (Berceuse II)" = "Dimanche, 19 juillet 1910 (Berceuse II)"



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1l. Meine Ohrmuschel...
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Meine Ohrmuschel fühlte sich frisch, rauh, kühl, 
saftig an wie ein Blatt.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1l. Mon oreille...
Language: French (Français) 
Mon oreille était fraîche au toucher, rugueuse, fraîche,
juteuse, comme une feuille.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1m. Einmal brach ich mir das Bein
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Einmal brach ich mir das Bein, 
es war das schönste Erlebnis meines Lebens.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1m. Une fois je me suis cassé la jambe
Language: French (Français) 
Une fois je me suis cassé la jambe,
cela a été la plus belle expérience de ma vie.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1n. Umpanzert
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Einen Augenblick lang fühlte ich mich umpanzert.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1n. Revêtu d'une cuirasse
Language: French (Français) 
Pendant un moment je me sentis revêtu d'une cuirasse.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1o. Zwei Spazierstöcke
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Auf Balzacs Spazierstockgriff: ich breche alle Hindernisse.
Auf meinem: Mich brechen alle Hindernisse.
Gemeinsam ist das "alle".

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1o. Deux bâtons de marche
Language: French (Français) 
Sur la poignée du bâton de Balzac : j'ai brisé tous les obstacles.
Sur le mien : tous les obstacles m'ont brisé.
Ils ont en commun ce « tous ».

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1p. Keine Rückkehr
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Von einem gewissen Punkt an gibt es keine Rückkehr mehr.
Dieser Punkt ist zu erreichen.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1p. Plus de retour
Language: French (Français) 
À partir d'un certain point, il n'y a plus de retour
Ce point est à atteindre.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1q. Stolz (1910/15. November, zehn Uhr)
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich werde mich nicht müde werden lassen.
Ich werde in meine Novelle hineinspringen 
und wenn es mir das Gesicht zerschneiden sollte.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1q. Fierté (1910, 15 novembre, dix heures)
Language: French (Français) 
Je ne me laisserai pas être fatigué.
Je plongerai dans mon histoire,
et même si elle devait déchirer mon visage.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1r. Träumend hing die Blume
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Träumend hing die Blume am hohen Stengel.
Abenddämmerung umzog sie.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1r. La fleur rêvant accrochée
Language: French (Français) 
La fleur rêvant accrochée en haut de la tige,
Le crépuscule l'a enveloppée.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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1s. Nichts dergleichen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nichts dergleichen, nichts dergleichen.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
1s. Rien de tout cela
Language: French (Français) 
Rien de tout cela, rien de tout cela.

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2. Der wahre Weg
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
2. Le vrai chemin
Language: French (Français) 
Le vrai chemin passe au-dessus d'une corde,
elle n'est pas suspendue très haut,
mais juste au-dessus du sol. Elle semble plus disposée
pour faire trébucher que pour être enjambée.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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3a. Haben? Sein?
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es gibt kein Haben, nur ein Sein,
nur ein nach letzen Atem,
nach Ersticken verlangendes Sein.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3a. Avoir ? Être ?
Language: French (Français) 
Il n'y a de « avoir » seulement un « être »,
seulement après le dernier souffle,
après la suffocation, réclamant.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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3b. Der Coitus als Bestrafung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der Coitus als Bestrafung des Glückes des Beisammenseins.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3b. Le coït est une punition
Language: French (Français) 
Le coït est une punition pour le bonheur d'être ensemble.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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3c. Meine Festung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Meine Gefängniszelle -- meine Festung.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3c. Ma forteresse
Language: French (Français) 
Ma cellule de prison -- ma forteresse.

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3d. Schmutzig bin ich, Milena...
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3d. Je suis sale, Milena...
Language: French (Français) 
Je suis sale, Milena, infiniment sale,
voilà pourquoi je pousse un tel cri pour la propreté.
Personne ne chante plus purement que ceux qui sont dans l'enfer le plus profond ;
c'est leur chant que nous prenons pour celui des anges.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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3e. Elendes Leben
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Geschlafen, aufgewacht, geschlafen, aufgewacht,
elendes Leben.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3e. Vie misérable
Language: French (Français) 
Dormir, s'éveiller, dormir, s'éveiller,
vie misérable.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translations of title(s):
"Elendes Leben" = "Vie misérable"
"Sonntag, den 19. Juli 1910 (Berceuse II)" = "Dimanche, 19 juillet 1910 (Berceuse II)"



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Translation © by Guy Laffaille
3f. Der begrenzte Kreis
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der begrenzte Kreis ist rein.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3f. Le cercle restreint
Language: French (Français) 
Le cercle restreint est pur.

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3g. Ziel, Weg, Zögern
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es gibt ein Ziel, aber keinen Weg; 
was wir Weg nehmen, ist Zögern.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3g. But, chemin, hésitation
Language: French (Français) 
Il y a un but, mais pas de chemin ;
ce que nous appelons un chemin est une hésitation.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translation © by Guy Laffaille
3h. So fest  [sung text not yet checked]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3h. Si fort
Language: French (Français) 
Si fort que la main tient la pierre.
Elle la tient si fort
seulement pour l'envoyer aussi loin qu'elle peut.
Mais même à cette distance elle montre le chemin.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translations of title(s):
"So fest wie die Hand" = "Si fort que la main"
"So fest" = "Si fort"



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Line count: 4
Word count: 30

Translation © by Guy Laffaille
3i. Penetrant jüdisch
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Im Kampf zwischen dir und der Welt sekundiere der Welt.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3i. Juif pénétrant
Language: French (Français) 
Dans la bataille entre toi et le monde, seconde le monde.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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3j. Verstecke  [sung text not yet checked]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Verstecke sind unzählige, Rettung nur eine, 
aber Möglichkeiten Der Rettung wieder 
so viele wie Verstecke.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3j. Cachettes
Language: French (Français) 
Il y a d'innombrables cachettes, mais seulement un salut,
mais à nouveau il y a autant de chemins vers le salut
que de cachettes.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translation © by Guy Laffaille
3k. Staunend sahen wir das große Pferd  [sung text not yet checked]
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3k. Étonnés nous avons vu le grand cheval
Language: French (Français) 
Étonnés nous avons vu le grand cheval.
Il est passé à travers le plafond de notre chambre.
Le ciel nuageux s'étirait faiblement
Le long de sa silhouette puissante,
Et sa crinière volait dans le vent en bruissant.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2016-12-19
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Word count: 37

Translation © by Guy Laffaille
3l. Szene in der Elektrischen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3l. Scène dans le tramway
Language: French (Français) 
La danseuse Edouardova, une amoureuse de la musique,
se déplaçait partout même
dans le tramway en compagnie de deux violonistes
avec qui elle jouait souvent.
Car il n'y a pas d'interdiction dans le tramway,
de jouer si la musique est bonne,
c'est agréable pour les autres passagers et cela ne coûte rien,
c'est-à-dire qu'il n'y a pas de quête à la fin. 
Cependant, c'est au début un peu surprenant
et pendant un petit instant tout le monde trouve que c'est inopportun.
Mais à pleine vitesse, avec un courant d'air fort
et dans une rue tranquille cela sonne joliment.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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4a. Zu spät (22. Oktober 1913)
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
4a. Trop tard : 22 octobre 1913
Language: French (Français) 
Trop tard.
La douceur du chagrin et de l'amour.
Recevoir un sourire d'elle dans le bateau.
C'était le plus merveilleux de tout.
Toujours rien que le désir de mourir
et celui de vivre encore, cela seul est l'amour.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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4b. Eine lange Geschichte
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich sehe einem Mädchen in die Augen, 
und es war eine sehr lange Liebesgeschichte 
mit Donner und Küssen und Blitz. 
Ich lebe rasch.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
4b. Une longue histoire
Language: French (Français) 
Je regardai une fille dans les yeux,
et ce fut une très longue histoire d'amour
avec tonnerre et baisers et éclairs.
Je vis rapidement.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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4c. In memoriam Robert Klein
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Noch spielen die Jagdhunde im Hof, aber das Wild entgeht ihnen nicht, 
so sehr es jetzt schon durch die Wälder jagt.
 ...

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
4c. À la mémoire de Robert Klein
Language: French (Français) 
Les chiens de chasse jouent encore dans la cour, mais le gibier ne leur échappera pas,
aussi vite qu'il courre maintenant à travers les bois.
[ ... ]

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translations of title(s):
"In memoriam Robert Klein" = "À la mémoire de Robert Klein"
"Noch spielen die Jagdhunde im Hof" = "Les chiens de chasse jouent encore dans la cour"



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Word count: 69

Translation © by Guy Laffaille
4d. Aus einem alten Notizbuch
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
4d. D'un vieux cahier
Language: French (Français) 
Maintenant, le soir, après avoir étudié depuis six heures du matin,
je remarquais que ma main gauche depuis
un certain temps serrait les doigts de la droite en compassion.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translation © by Guy Laffaille
4e. Leoparden
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
4e. Les léopards
Language: French (Français) 
Les léopards font irruption dans le temple
et boivent toutes les cruches sacrificielles ;
et cela se répète encore et encore,
à la fin on peut calculer à l'avance leur venue
et cela fait partie de la cérémonie.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translation © by Guy Laffaille
4f. In memoriam Joannis Pilinszky
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
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.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
4f. À la mémoire de Joannis Pilinszky
Language: French (Français) 
Je ne peux... pas vraiment raconter,
je ne peux presque pas parler ;
si j'essaie de raconter je me sens
comme un petit enfant pourrait le faire
quand il fait ses premiers pas.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Translation © by Guy Laffaille
4g. Wiederum, wiederum
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wiederum, wiederum, weit verbannt, weit verbannt. 
Berge, Wüste, weites Land gilt es zu durchwandern.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
4g. Encore une fois, encore une fois
Language: French (Français) 
Encore une fois, encore une fois, exilé au loin, exilé au loin.
Montagnes, désert, un vaste pays à parcourir.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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4h. Es blendete uns die Mondnacht...
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es blendete uns die Mondnacht. 
Vögel schrien von Baum zu Baum. 
In den Feldern sauste es. 
Wir krochen durch den Staub, ein Schlangenpaar.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
4h. Le clair de lune nous éblouissait...
Language: French (Français) 
Le clair de lune nous éblouissait.
Les oiseaux criaient d'arbre en arbre.
Dans les champs, cela sifflait.
Nous rampions à travers la poussière, un couple de serpents.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to French (Français) copyright © 2016 by Guy Laffaille, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2016-12-15
Line count: 4
Word count: 28

Translation © by Guy Laffaille