O tempora, O verba (Krysztof Daletski)

Music files

• (Posted 2016-10-09)  CPDL #41385:   

Editor: Christoph Dalitz (submitted 2016-10-09).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 436 kB   Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: Facsimile of composer manuscript with figured bass line. The manuscript follows baroque conventions. Listen to the YouTube video listed below for details about a possible realization.

• (Posted 2016-10-11)  CPDL #41402:   

Editor: Christoph Dalitz (submitted 2016-10-11).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 45 kB   Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: Modern edition based on both the manuscript and the performance practice according to the preface of Telemann's "Harmonischer Gottesdienst" and the performance in the YouTube video listed below.

General Information

Title: O tempora, O verba
Composer: Krysztof Daletski
Lyricist: Krysztof Daletski

Number of voices: 1v   Voicings: T and S
Genre: Secular, Lament

Language: German
Instruments: Basso continuo

{{Published}} is obsolete (code commented out), replaced with {{Pub}} for works and {{PubDatePlace}} for publications.

Description: A recitativo in the style of Bach or Telemann. The text is a synthesis of two contradictional proverbs:

• "We learn from history that we do not learn from history."
• "History does not repeat itself."

External websites: Recording on YouTube (sung and accompanied by the composer)

Original text and translations

German text Der Abbau von Rechten ist nötig, So heißt es, Für die Bewahrung der Freiheit, Zum Schutze der Demokratie Vor sich selbst. Die Propaganda ist nötig zur Aufklärung Über die Machenschaften des Feinds. Die Überwachung ist nötig zur Sicherheit, Weil Gefahr auch im Inneren droht. Die Aufrüstung ist zur Verteidigung, Weil der Feind vor den Toren schon steht. Da müssen wir still sein Und dankbar, Dass sich Geschichte Nicht wiederholt. Nicht wortwörtlich.

English translation Reduction of rights is necessary, It is said, For the sake of freedom, To protect democracy From itself. Propaganda is necessary for clarification About the evil plans of the enemy. Surveillance is necessary for security Because perils come, too, from inside. Rearmament is for defense, As the foe stands in front of the gates. We thus must be silent And grateful That history Does not repeat itself. Not literally.