The Leaves Cry

Cantata by Robin Holloway (b. 1943)

1. This vast inelegance

Language: English 
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2. The course of a particular  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
Today the leaves cry, hanging on branches swept by wind
 [ ... ]

Text Authorship:

  • by Wallace Stevens (1879 - 1955), "The course of a particular", copyright ©

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3. Hollow‑sounding and mysterious  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
There's no replying
To the Wind's sighing,
Telling, foretelling,
Dying, undying,
Dwindling and swelling,
Complaining, droning,
Whistling and moaning,
Ever beginning,
Ending, repeating,
Hinting and dinning,
Lagging and fleeting --
We've no replying
Living or dying
To the Wind's sighing.

What are you telling,
Variable Wind-tone?
What would be teaching,
O sinking, swelling,
Desolate Wind-moan?
Ever for ever
Teaching and preaching,
Never, ah never
Making us wiser --
The earliest riser
Catches no meaning,
The last who hearkens
Garners no gleaning
Of wisdom's treasure,
While the world darkens: --
Living or dying,
In pain, in pleasure,
We've no replying
To wordless flying
Wind's sighing.

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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
Total word count: 254