Suite-Vocalise in F minor, Op. 41/2 (c. 1926)

I. Introduzione
II. Gesang der Nymphen
III. Geheimnisse
IV. Zug der Grazien
V. Was der Dichter spricht

A suite for piano and soprano by Russian composer Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951). Like the Sonata-Vocalise (which can be found on my channel), the Suite-Vocalise is scored for wordless soprano and piano, and it is also based on the "Geweihter Platz" Motto by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Motto: "Geweihter Platz"

Wenn zu den Reihen der Nymphen, versammelt in heiliger Mondnacht,
Sich die Grazien heimlich herab von Olympus gesellen:
Hier belauscht sie der Dichter und hört die schönen Gesänge,
Sieht verschwiegener Tänze geheimnisvolle Bewegung.
Was der Himmel nur Herrliches hat, was glücklich die Erde
Reizendes immer gebar, das erscheint dem wachenden Träumer.
Alles erzählt er den Musen, und daß die Götter nicht zürnen,
Lehren die Musen ihn gleich bescheiden Geheimnisse sprechen.

English translation:

Motto: "Hallowed Ground"

When with the ranks of the Nymphs that foregather in sanctified moon-night
join all the Graces as well, Olympus deserting in secret:
here the poet can listen, can spy on their beautiful singing,
see their mysterious movement, their silent and secretive dancing.
All the glories of heaven and all that the fortunate planet
Earth can of loveliness bear now appears to him, waking and dreaming.
All this he tells to the Muses. The wrath of the gods to avert, they
teach him to lower his voice, modestly secrets to speak.

Soprano: Susan Gritton
Piano: Geoffrey Tozer