Speak, my Heart!
”Speak, my Heart” is a poem by Arthur Christopher Benson, set to music by the English composer Edward Elgar[1] in 1902.
The score was dated 16 August 1902[citation needed] and it was published by Boosey & Co. in 1903 or 1904,.[1][2] The first performance was possibly on 26 August 1902.[3]
Lyrics
- Sweet Maiden, bright Maiden,
- Passing on your way,
- May I linger with you ?
- Maiden, say !
- “ I have much to see,
- And far, far to go.
- Let it be another day,
- Now it is No ! ”
- One word of welcome
- Ere you depart !
- I will be patient still ;
- Silence, my heart !
- Sweet Maiden, shy Maiden,
- Passing far away,
- May I wander with you ?
- Maiden, say !
- ” You are nought to me,
- And I nought to you !
- What am I to answer now ?
- What can I do ? “
- Wander alone then,
- I will depart ;--
- Yet she smiles upon me,
- Courage, my heart !
- True Maiden, dear Maiden,
- Passing my door,
- I will say a new word,
- Whispered before.
- ” You may whisper softly,
- Soft and still,
- Yes, I will hear you out,
- Say whate’er you will ! ”
- Hear me and heed me,
- Ere you depart ;
- Yes, her lips are smiling ;--
- Speak, my heart !
Recordings
"The Unknown Elgar" includes "Speak, my Heart" performed by Teresa Cahill (soprano), with Barry Collett (piano).
References
- ^ a b Kennedy, Michael (1987). Portrait of Elgar (Third ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 347. ISBN 0-19-284017-7.
- ^ Though the only published score found is dated 1904
- ^ Given as "(Aug. 26, 1902 ?)" by Percy Young in his book "Elgar, O.M."
External links
Speak, my Heart!: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project