ORR232_ Book.qxd

Fryderyk Chopin
Mazurka Op. 33 No. 3 in C major
‘Berceuse’ [CD 2 Track 9]
Words by Louis Pomey
FREDERICA VON STADE
PAULINE VIARDOT published more than a dozen vocal settings of Chopin’s
mazurkas. The composer himself agreed to have Viardot perform some of
them at one of his London concerts towards the end of his life, when he had
quarrelled with George Sand, and was compelled to teach and give recitals
wherever he could, hastening the illness that would soon kill him. Viardot sang
the contralto part in Mozart’s Requiem at Chopin’s funeral in Paris in 1849.
When this song was eventually published in 1865, it became known as
‘Seconde Berceuse’, to avoid confusion with the earlier song (CD 1 Track 10).
Throughout the Victorian era, arrangements for voice and piano of music by
famous composers were very popular. Viardot also arranged pieces by Brahms,
Schubert and even Haydn.
Enfant, cède au sommeil qui ferme Sleep, my child, and close your eyes.
ta paupière,
Je suis auprès de toi, priant Dieu pour I am near you, praying that God will keep
l’absent, the absent one.
Goûte d’un doux repos le charme Enjoy the blessings of a quiet repose,
bienfaisant,
Et près du ton berceau, ne cherche pas and do not seek your father by your cradle.
ton père.
La-la, la-la! La-la, la-la! Hélas! La-la, la-la! La-la, la-la! Alas!
–85–