Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
(Another new transfer/presentation)
Soprano Elisabeth Rethberg (1894-1976)
C'est l'extase langoureuse (Verlaine; Debussy)
Alfred Wallenstein Concert Orchestra
Fragment from Retherg's 10-show Summer series over WOR radio (Mutual Broadcasting Network)
From Elisabeth Rethberg – Recital 1928-1941
The Golden Age Of Opera – EJS 256 (LP)
As heard on September 5, 1941 on WOR radio in New York City, which started at 8:30 PM. The program notice is from The Hanover Evening Sun, Hanover, Pennsylvania, Friday, September 5, 1941 (page 11).
See also: More EJS: Discography of the Edward J. Smith Recordings: "Unique Opera Records Corporation" (1972-1977), "A.N.N.A. Record Company" (1978-1982), "special-label" Issues (circa 1954-1981), and Addendum to "The Golden Age of Opera" Series by William Shaman, Edward Joseph Smith, William J. Collins, Calvin M. Goodwin / Greenwood Publishing Group (1999 ).
******************
C'est l'extase
by Paul Verlaine (1844-1896)
C’est l’extase langoureuse,
C’est la fatigue amoureuse,
C’est tous les frissons des bois
Parmi l’étreinte des brises,
C’est, vers les ramures grises,
Le chœur des petites voix.
Ô le frêle et frais murmure!
Cela gazouille et susurre,
Cela ressemble au cri doux
Que l’herbe agitée expire …
Tu dirais, sous l’eau qui vire,
Le roulis sourd des cailloux.
Cette âme qui se lamente
En cette plainte dormante
C’est la nôtre, n’est-ce pas?
La mienne, dis, et la tienne,
Dont s’exhale l’humble antienne
Par ce tiède soir, tout bas?
(English translation)
It is languorous rapture,
It is amorous fatigue,
It is all the tremors of the forest
In the breezes’ embrace,
It is, around the grey branches,
The choir of tiny voices.
O the delicate, fresh murmuring!
The warbling and whispering,
It is like the soft cry
The ruffled grass gives out …
You might take it for the muffled sound
Of pebbles in the swirling stream.
This soul which grieves
In this subdued lament,
It is ours, is it not?
Mine, and yours too,
Breathing out our humble hymn
On this warm evening, soft and low
****************
(Another new transfer/presentation)
Soprano Elisabeth Rethberg (1894-1976)
C'est l'extase langoureuse (Verlaine; Debussy)
Alfred Wallenstein Concert Orchestra
Fragment from Retherg's 10-show Summer series over WOR radio (Mutual Broadcasting Network)
From Elisabeth Rethberg – Recital 1928-1941
The Golden Age Of Opera – EJS 256 (LP)
As heard on September 5, 1941 on WOR radio in New York City, which started at 8:30 PM. The program notice is from The Hanover Evening Sun, Hanover, Pennsylvania, Friday, September 5, 1941 (page 11).
See also: More EJS: Discography of the Edward J. Smith Recordings: "Unique Opera Records Corporation" (1972-1977), "A.N.N.A. Record Company" (1978-1982), "special-label" Issues (circa 1954-1981), and Addendum to "The Golden Age of Opera" Series by William Shaman, Edward Joseph Smith, William J. Collins, Calvin M. Goodwin / Greenwood Publishing Group (1999 ).
******************
C'est l'extase
by Paul Verlaine (1844-1896)
C’est l’extase langoureuse,
C’est la fatigue amoureuse,
C’est tous les frissons des bois
Parmi l’étreinte des brises,
C’est, vers les ramures grises,
Le chœur des petites voix.
Ô le frêle et frais murmure!
Cela gazouille et susurre,
Cela ressemble au cri doux
Que l’herbe agitée expire …
Tu dirais, sous l’eau qui vire,
Le roulis sourd des cailloux.
Cette âme qui se lamente
En cette plainte dormante
C’est la nôtre, n’est-ce pas?
La mienne, dis, et la tienne,
Dont s’exhale l’humble antienne
Par ce tiède soir, tout bas?
(English translation)
It is languorous rapture,
It is amorous fatigue,
It is all the tremors of the forest
In the breezes’ embrace,
It is, around the grey branches,
The choir of tiny voices.
O the delicate, fresh murmuring!
The warbling and whispering,
It is like the soft cry
The ruffled grass gives out …
You might take it for the muffled sound
Of pebbles in the swirling stream.
This soul which grieves
In this subdued lament,
It is ours, is it not?
Mine, and yours too,
Breathing out our humble hymn
On this warm evening, soft and low
****************
