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Classical Spanish Songs, Volume 1
by Fernando J. Obradors (1897 - 1945)
View original-language texts alone: Canciones clásicas españolas, vol 1
La mi sola, Laureola La mi sola, sola, sola, Yo el cautivo Leriano Aunque mucho estoy ufano Herido de aquella mano Que en el mundo es una sola. La mi sola Laureola La mi sola, sola, sola.
My one and only, Laureola My one and only, only, only, I’m the captive Leriano Even though I’m very proud I’m wounded by that hand Of which in the whole world, there is only one. My one and only, Laureola My one and only, only.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from Spanish (Español) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura 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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Based on:
- a text in Spanish (Español) by Juan Ponce (1480? - 1521?)
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This text was added to the website: 2020-01-01
Line count: 8
Word count: 45
Dame, Amor, besos sin cuento Asido de mis cabellos Y mil y ciento tras ellos Y tras ellos mil y ciento Y después... De muchos millares, tres! Y porque nadie lo sienta Desbaratemos la cuenta Y... contemos al revés.
Give me, Love, kisses without number, as the number of hairs on my head, and give me a thousand and a hundred after that, and a hundred and a thousand after that... and after those... many thousands... give me three more! And so that no one feels bad... Let us tear up the tally and begin counting backwards!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from Spanish (Español) to English copyright © 2003 by Alice Rogers-Mendoza, (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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Based on:
- a text in Spanish (Español) by Cristobal de Castillejo (d. c1550)
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 9
Word count: 58
¿Corazón, porqué pasáis Las noches de amor despierto Si vuestro dueño descansa En los brazos de otro dueño?
Text Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author ( 17th century )
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My heart, why do you keep awake during the nights of love, if your master rests in the arms of another master?
Text Authorship:
- Translation from Spanish (Español) to English copyright © 2003 by Alice Rogers-Mendoza, (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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Based on:
- a text in Spanish (Español) by Anonymous/Unidentified Artist
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 4
Word count: 22
Del majo que me enamora He aprendido la queja Que una y mil veces suspira Noche tras noche en mi reja: Lindezas, me muero De amor loco y fiero Y quisiera olvidarte Mas quiero y no puedo! Le han dicho que en la Pradera Me han visto con un chispero Desos de malla de seda Y chupa de terciopelo. Majezas, te quiero, No creas que muero De amores perdida Por ese chispero.
Text Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author ( 18th century )
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From the majo who I’m falling for, I’ve learned this complaint. He sighs endlessly Night after night at my fence: “My beauty, I’m dying Of rash and painful love And I’d like to forget you since I want more, and I can’t have it!” Someone has told him that on the Pradera I’ve been seen hanging around with a cad Wearing silk stockings And a velvet coat. Babe, I love you, Don’t believe that I’m dying Because of an old love affair With that peasant.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from Spanish (Español) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura 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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Based on:
- a text in Spanish (Español) by Anonymous/Unidentified Artist
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Translator's notes
Title: The word "majo" (masculine) / "maja" (feminine) described men and women from the lower classes of the pueblo llano section of Madrid (esp. the slums of Lavapies and Maravillas); they became a favorite subject of painters (Goya) and playwrights (Raymond de la Cruz) from 1760-1800. Majos wore exaggerated Spanish costumes (pigtail, hairnet, chupétin or “lollipop” vest, knee breeches or stockings, a broad sash, pointed hat, and a sleeveless cape called the “capote de mangas”). This colorful dress evolved from that appropriate to the popular Santiago del Verde festival on May 1 (attendees were called mayos). Majos and majas were known for outgoing, quarrelsome behavior, supported the arts and militia, and performed as guitarists and dancers.
Line 3: "endlessly" - literally, “from one to a thousand times”.
Line 5: "My beauty" - lindezas is a noun meaning pretty things, or when used ironically, insults (lindeza means prettiness).
Line 9: The San Isidro Park, situated along the Manzanares River in central Madrid, was painted by Goya in 1788 (The Meadow of San Isidro). The park is commonly known as the Pradera de San Isidro.
Line 10: "cad" - chispero refers to a low-class inhabitant of Madrid; a girl calling someone a “chispero” in this context is roughly like using the insulting term “lowlife”, “loser”, or “dude”.
Line 13: "babe" - majezas is a noun meaning attractiveness (majeza means good looks).
This text was added to the website: 2020-01-02
Line count: 16
Word count: 85
Con amores, la mi madre, Con amores me dormí; Así dormida soñaba Lo que el corazón velaba, Que el amor me consolaba Con más bien que merecí. Adormecióme el favor Que amor me dió con amor; Dió descanso a mi dolor La fe con que le serví Con amores, la mi madre, Con amores me dormí!
Due to your love, mother, With loving, I fell asleep; While sleeping, I dreamed What was in my waking heart, That love consoled me More than I deserved. I was lulled to sleep through the favor Of your love given to me lovingly; I was allowed to relax from my pain Through faith which supports me Due to your love, mother, With loving, I fell asleep!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from Spanish (Español) to English copyright © 2019 by Laura 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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Based on:
- a text in Spanish (Español) by Juan de Anchieta (1462 - 1523)
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Translator's note: This old, sentimental text was set as a secular, poplyphonic villancico in the early 1500s and was a favorite at Queen Isabella’s court; it is a tribute to the healing power of love. The form was analogous the Italian Renaissance frottola (late 15th century), and such texts were collected in cancioneros for solo voice with lute accompaniment.
This text was added to the website: 2019-12-31
Line count: 12
Word count: 66
Del cabello más sutil Que tienes en tu trenzado He de hacer una cadena Para traerte a mi lado. Una alcarraza en tu casa, Chiquilla, quisiera ser, Para besarte en la boca, Cuando fueras a beber.
Of the softest hair which you have in your braid, I would make a chain so that I may bring you to my side. A jug in your home, little one, I would like to be... so that I may kiss you each time you take a drink.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from Spanish (Español) to English copyright © 2003 by Alice Rogers-Mendoza, (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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Based on:
- a text in Spanish (Español) from Volkslieder (Folksongs)
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 8
Word count: 48
Chiquitita la novia, Chiquitito el novio, Chiquitita la sala, Y el dormitorio, Por eso yo quiero Chiquitita la cama Y el mosquitero.
Tiny is the bride, Tiny is the groom, Tiny is the living room, Tiny is the bedroom. That is why I want a tiny bed with a mosquito net.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from Spanish (Español) to English copyright © 2003 by Alice Rogers-Mendoza, (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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Based on:
- a text in Spanish (Español) by Curro Dulce (flourished 19th century)
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 7
Word count: 29