Kafka Fragments

Translations © by Laura Stanfield Prichard

Song Cycle by György Kurtág (b. 1926)

View original-language texts alone: Kafka-Fragmente, op. 24

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. Good soldiers march in time
Language: English 
Good soldiers march in time. 
Without knowing about them, other people dance
around them in Time's dances.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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. Like a path in autumn
Language: English 
Like a path in autumn: hardly is it swept clean, 
before it decks itself again with dry leaves.

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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. Hiding places
Language: English 
Hiding places are innumerable, and there is only one salvation, 
but the possibilities for salvation are just 
as plentiful as the number of hiding places.

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1d. Ruhelos
— Tacet —

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1d.
 
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. First Berceuse
Language: English 
Whip your mantle, great dream, around the child.

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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. Nevermore (Excommunication)
Language: English 
Nevermore, nevermore will you return to the cities,
Nevermore will the great bell toll for you.

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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: English 
"He keeps questioning me." 
His "um", detached from its sentence,
flew away like a ball across the lawn.

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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. Someone tugged at my dress
Language: English 
Someone tugged at my dress, 
but I shrugged him off.

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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. The seamstresses
Language: English 
The seamstresses in the downpours.

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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. Scene at the station
Language: English 
The bystanders freeze when the train passes by.

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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. Sunday, the 19th of July, 1910 Second Berceuse
Language: English 
Slept, woke, slept, woke,
what a miserable life.

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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. My ear...
Language: English 
My ear felt fresh to my touch, rough, cool, 
succulent like a leaf.

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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. Once I broke my leg
Language: English 
Once I broke my leg, 
it was the most splendid experience of my life.

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Subtitle: "Hassidic Dance"


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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. I felt armored
Language: English 
For a moment, I felt bombproof.

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Subtitle: "Bombproof"


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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. Two walking sticks
Language: English 
On Balzac's walking stick handle: "I overcome all obstacles."
On mine: "I'm overcome by all obstacles."
They've both got that "all."

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Subtitle: " (Authentic - Plagal)"


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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. No going back
Language: English 
At a certain point, there's no going back.
That's the point I'm trying to get to.

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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. Proud (November 15, 1910, 10 o'clock)
Language: English 
I won't let myself get tired.
I will dive into my novel 
even if my face gets sliced up.

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Subtitle: "I won't let myself get tired."


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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. Dreaming, hung the flower
Language: English 
Dreaming, hung the flower from its long stem.
At dusk, it moved.

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Subtitle: "Homage to Schumann"


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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. Nothing of the kind
Language: English 
Nothing of the kind, nothing of the kind.

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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. The true path
Language: English 
The true path crosses the rope, 
not suspended high up,
but just above the floor. It mainly seems to be there
to make one stumble, rather than to be walked on.

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Subtitle: "Homage - message to Pierre Boulez"


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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. Having? Being?
Language: English 
There is no having, only being,
just one last breath,
longing for suffocation.

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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. Sex as Punishment
Language: English 
Sex as punishment for thrill of getting together.

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Subtitle: "Song of Mary Magdalen"


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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. My Fortress
Language: English 
My prison cell -- my fortress.

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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. I'm filthy, Milena
Language: English 
I'm filthy, Milena, totally filthy, 
therefore I make such a racket about purity. 
None sings as purely as those, who are in the deepest Hell;
what we regard as angelic song, is really their song.

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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. Slept, woke, slept, woke,...
Language: English 
Slept, woke, slept, woke,
what a miserable life.

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3f. Der begrenzte Kreis
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der begrenzte Kreis ist rein.

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by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
3f. The closed circle
Language: English 
The closed circle is pure.

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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. Goal, Path, Hesitation
Language: English 
There's a goal, but no way to get there; 
what we take for a path, is hesitation.

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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. So firmly
Language: English 
So firmly does the hand hold the stone.
It holds it so tightly,
only to throw it as far away as it can.
But the path also leads all that way.

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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. Pushy Jewish Thought
Language: English 
In the battle between you and the world, back the world.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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. Hiding places
Language: English 
Hiding places are innumerable, and there is only one salvation, 
but the possibilities for salvation are just 
as plentiful as the number of hiding places.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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: 2020-01-07
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Word count: 25

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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. We were amazed to see the large horse
Language: English 
We were amazed to see the large horse.
It broke through the roof of our bedroom.
The billowy canopy dragged weakly
along its massive silhouette,
and its mane whipped in the wind.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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: 2020-01-08
Line count: 5
Word count: 32

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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. Scene on a Streetcar, 1910
Language: English 
The dancer Eduardowa, a music lover, 
goes everywhere including 
by streetcar in the company of two violinists, 
whom she frequently asks to play. 
There's no prohibition, on streetcars 
from playing, as long as the playing is good, 
pleases the passengers, and doesn't cost anything, 
meaning, no collection is taken up. 
It's all, in the beginning, a little surprising 
and for awhile, everyone considers it improper. 
But at full speed, with strong breezes 
and in a quiet street, it sounds pretty.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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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Subtitle: "In a dream I asked the dancer Eduardowa if she would deign to dance the csárdás again"


This text was added to the website: 2020-01-08
Line count: 12
Word count: 80

Translation © by Laura Stanfield Prichard
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. Too late (October 22, 1913)
Language: English 
Too late. 
The sweetness of sorrow and love. 
Her smiling face in a boat. 
That was the best of all. 
Always longing for death 
and holding yourself back, that alone is love.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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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Word count: 32

Translation © by Laura Stanfield Prichard
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. A long story
Language: English 
I look a girl in the eyes, 
and see a very long love story
with thunder and kisses and lightning. 
I'm living quickly.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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. In memory of Robert Klein
Language: English 
Still playing, are the hounds in the courtyard, but the game won't escape, 
when they begin to hunt in the woods.
 ...

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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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Line count: 7
Word count: 64

Translation © by Laura Stanfield Prichard
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. From an old notebook
Language: English 
Now it's evening, since six in the morning I've been at study, 
and I notice, how my left hand has for awhile 
been gripping the fingers of my right in compassion.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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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Word count: 31

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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. Leopards
Language: English 
Leopards break into the temple 
and drink the sacrificial jugs dry: 
the repeats over and over: 
finally one can predict it,
it becomes part of the ceremony.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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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Word count: 27

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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. In memory of Joannis Pilinssky
Language: English 
I can ... not actually tell a story, 
can hardly even speak;
when I try to tell a story, I usually feel
like little children could feel, who try to 
take their first steps.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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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Line count: 5
Word count: 33

Translation © by Laura Stanfield Prichard
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. Once again, once again
Language: English 
Once again, once again, exiled far, far away. 
Mountains, desert, a broad expanse worth crossing.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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. We were blinded by moonlight
Language: English 
We were blinded by moonlight. 
Birds screeched from the trees. 
Through the fields, wind rushed. 
We crawled through the dust, a pair of snakes.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Stanfield Prichard, (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: 2020-01-08
Line count: 4
Word count: 24

Translation © by Laura Stanfield Prichard