Orchestra
(2004)- Music by Dave Brubeck
- Text by Dana Gioia
For information about sheet music for this song, please contact:
Mr. Richard S. Jeweler
Derry Music Company
P.O. Box 150270
San Rafael, CA
94915 U.S.A
Telephone: 415 451-6130
Orchestra (after Nina Cassian)
by Dana Gioia
Climbing the scales three octaves at a time,
I search for you among the high notes where
the tender flute resides. But where are your
sweet eyelashes? Not there.
Then I descend among the sunlit brasses—
their funnels glistening like fountain tips.
I let them splash me with their streaming gold,
but I can't find your lips.
Then daring ever deeper I explore
the depths the elemental strings command.
Their bows will not create a miracle
without your stroking hand.
The orchestra is still. The score is blank.
Cold as a slide rule the brasses, strings, and flute.
Sonorous lover, when will you return?
The orchestra is mute.
--translated from the Romanian of Nina Cassian
