Official site of composer Andrea Clearfield. Biography, list of works with audio, score samples, reviews and program notes, photographs, upcoming performances.
Scored for: SATB chorus and piano, also in arrangement for SSAA chorus and piano, solo voice and piano. The work can be performed as a cycle or as independent movements. Suitable for a Yom Hashoah program. The composer has also made an arrangement of Farlorn Alemen for alto flute and guitar for Duo Sequenza. It can be heard on Navona Records here. It has been submitted FYC for the first round of Grammy voting as Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. Soundcloud link here. Text: Sima Yashonsky-Feitelson, English translation by Raya Gonen Language: Yiddish Duration: 7:00 – 7:30 (full cycle approx. 17 min.) Premiere: Originally composed in 2008, the choral premiere took place in May, 2011, Harold Prince Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Commissioned by: Nashirah through the generosity of Cynthia and Jeffrey Silber Published by: G. Schirmer. The publisher writes: “Written for and premiered by Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia, this poem by Sima Faitelson is full of power, and loss and the pain that accompanies loss. This incredibly creative composition will leave listeners and singers breathless.” More info here.Purchase here.
For more information contact Trudy Chan at Black Tea Music or contact Andrea Clearfield:
“I have enjoyed Andrea Clearfield’s music previously, her Women of Valor on Albany (Fanfare 41:1). In that piece, one was aware of a clear compositional virtuosity; here she pens a slow Farlorn Alemen based on a Holocaust poem that is reprinted in the disc’s accompanying documentation. Taken from a song cycle for soprano and piano, this arrangement was written for Duo Sequenza and is positively haunting. On a personal level, this is the most touching music on the disc.” DUO SEQUENZA: YES, IT’S STILL A THING! Duo Sequenza (Debra Silvert, fl/alto fl; Paul Bowman, gtr) NAVONA 6467 –Colin Clarke, FANFARE Magazine, October, 2022
PROGRAM NOTE
The original song cycleFarlorn Alemen was originally commissioned by Israeli soprano, Raya Gonen. “Farlorn Alemen” is the first movement of the cycle. The work is set to texts by Sima Yashonksy-Feitelson.
Sima was 16 years old when she lost both her parents and sibling in the Kovno Ghetto, Lithuania, during World War II. Her young husband was taken to a forced labor camp near Kovno in which all of the Kovno Ghetto Jews were shot. His job was to burn their bodies. Sima documented her life and experiences in the ghetto in a booklet of poems in Yiddish, which bears witness to the atrocities, her feelings of fear, loss and doubt whether she would see her husband ever again. She also documented her resistance activities in the underground movement, which was formed there against the Nazis.
Sima immigrated to Israel (with her husband, who survived the Holocaust) and re-united with friends from the Ghetto, including Raya Gonen’s parents. As a token of their friendship, Sima gave an autographed copy of her poems to Raya’s parents.
Raya commissioned me to set these poems to music so that they could be included on her touring Holocaust songs program. The work was premiered at Monmouth University, N.J. in 2008.
The choral arrangement of Movement I, “Farlorn Alemen” was commissioned by Nashirah, Jonathan Coopersmith, Artistic Director. The commission was made possible through the generosity of Cynthia and Jeffrey Silber. The premiere took place at the Prince Theater in Philadelphia in May, 2011. The Harmonium Choral Society, Anne Matlack, Artistic Director, commissioned me to make choral arrangements for the other two movements, “Du Bist Avek” and “Main Land” so that they could premiere the full choral cycle. That performance will take place in NJ in March, 2015.
The musical ideas arose from emotions and layers of meaning evoked by the poetry. “Farlorn Alemen” is a poem that asks poignantly, “Do you know what it means to be alone? Can anyone understand my heart’s pain?” The musical setting is made up of melodies that rise like questions with a single tone held, suspended, unsupported and vulnerable, over a piano ostinato. The melodic material was inspired by a haunting, pleading quality sometimes heard in cantorial chant and traditional Jewish song. The movement ends in unison – singers drop out one at a time until only one remains. Movement II, “Du Bist Avek” (You are gone) alternates between wandering contrapuntal lines representing the separation of Sima and her husband and strong, homogenous rhythms expressing their strength and courage in the resistance movement as they fight for their freedom. The words “ver veis” (who knows) repeat, representing the constant unknown. “Main Land” is a poem that Ms. Feitelson wrote after having been liberated and immigrated to Israel. The music is both joyful and introspective. The many voices again give way to a single voice, concluding the cycle.
The composer wishes to express gratitude to the Oberpfalzer Kunstlerhaus in Schwandorf, Germany, Yaddo in Saratoga Springs, NY and the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming where this work was created.
QUOTE
“It was immediately clear that Andrea understood Nashirah and our hopes for this commission. Her suggestion of a choral setting of the Yiddish Holocaust poem “Farlorn Alemen” was completely in harmony with Nashirah’s mission and esthetic. We knew we had not commissioned a mere choral piece, but a relevant and contemporary piece of art. Andrea’s music is a reflective and deeply moving commentary on the Holocaust, and should be a permanent piece of the Holocaust artistic canon. It was an honor to premiere this challenging and rewarding work, and we are deeply fortunate to have been a part of its creation.” –Jonathan Coopersmith, Artistic Director, Nashirah
“Andrea is a wonderful composer. This is a fine concert piece and suitable for a Yom Hashoah program.” –Judith Clurman, Rejoice: Honoring the Jewish Spirit Choral Series
“Written for and premiered by Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia, this poem by Sima Faitelson is full of power, and loss and the pain that accompanies loss. This incredibly creative composition will leave listeners and singers breathless.” –G. Schirmer
REVIEWS of FARLORN ALEMEN AND “YES…IT’S STILL A THING!”
“I have enjoyed Andrea Clearfield’s music previously, her Women of Valor on Albany (Fanfare 41:1). In that piece, one was aware of a clear compositional virtuosity; here she pens a slow Farlorn Alemen based on a Holocaust poem that is reprinted in the disc’s accompanying documentation. Taken from a song cycle for soprano and piano, this arrangement was written for Duo Sequenza and is positively haunting. On a personal level, this is the most touching music on the disc.” DUO SEQUENZA: YES, IT’S STILL A THING! Duo Sequenza (Debra Silvert, fl/alto fl; Paul Bowman, gtr) NAVONA 6467 –Colin Clarke, FANFARE Magazine, October, 2022
“… beautifully performed…. rarely has the sound of the flute been captured as well… the guitar, too, sounds present and beautiful. The[ir] close musical partnership is near-telepathic…. Silvert wears her virtuosity lightly… a fabulous performance…[the] guitar solo [was] stunningly delivered by Bowman…. There is not one “dud” piece here, a testament to [their] programming…. Five stars: A fascinating, beautifully recorded disc; performances are beyond criticism throughout.” Colin Clarke, Fanfare
“…[they] give such attention to the tones and colors of their instruments… know[ing] precisely how to match and combine…. a glimpse at a conversation between equal partners… who bring out the best in each other…. I loved this album so much… incredible instrumentalists who perform with such enthusiasm for their repertoire. They deserve to be widely heard and appreciated…. Five stars — Duo Sequenza Is Just the Thing!” Jacqueline Kharouf, Fanfare
“By discussing each work separately, I fear that I may not have conveyed the full success of this disc. Silvert and Bowman have assembled a very attractive program of music… the selections merge into a satisfying whole. The altogether winning performances are technically adept and highly committed, and the recorded sound is well balanced and natural. Five stars: Attractive music… well played.” Henry Fogel, Fanfare
“…I just couldn’t resist this wonderful disc. Debra Silvert and Paul Bowman are not only masters of their instruments but have chosen a fine repertoire…. [They] enter freely into the spirit of all these pieces, producing a lovely recital. The recorded sound is fresh and lively…. Four stars: A gorgeous flute and guitar recital.” James H. North, Fanfare
“…another impressive release…. Silvert and Bowman are marvelous performers, impressive both for their individual tonal beauty and technical élan, and seamless collaboration. The recorded sound is lovely as well. A most pleasurable hour of music-making. Recommended. Four stars.” Ken Meltzer, Fanfare
“… magnificent and poetic… a journey you will never forget…. Breathtaking… both artists among the best musicians of 2022 and beyond…. Mesmerizing… a classical signature blends with a modern and timeless twist…. a strong dose of emotion and imagination. It reminds us how it feels to listen to pure music. Sadness and hope, smiles and tears, power and sensibility… incredible…. “ the-further (France)
“… a pioneering force in modern classical music…. their music is the work of two masters ….some of Silvert and Bowman’s most inspired playing…. [They] possess incredible technical prowess and have immense synergy together. Yes… It’s Still a Thing! will impress anyone with an appreciation for classical music, and further cement Duo Sequenza’s place as ambassadors in their genre.” The Ark of Music
TEXTS
I. FARLORN ALEMEN
(Losing Everyone)
poems by Sima Yashonksy-Feitelson, English translation by Raya Gonen
Do you know what it means to be alone?
Can anyone understand my heart’s pain?
Losing father, mother, husband and friend
Whom can I turn to today?
My heart is bleeding from pain
My eyes can shed no more tears
Everything in me has turned into stone from anguish
Together with them, I’ll never be again.
I will never know anymore the happiness which I felt only a few weeks ago
I have no father, mother, husband anymore.
Is there still any happiness reserved for me in the world?
Will I never see them again, then?
Is my life lost forever?
Will I ever hear the words “I love you” anymore?
Will my life story thus remain empty forever?
Do you know what it means to be alone?
II. Du Bist Avek (You are gone)
You are gone, I have sent you myself
It is enough for me to know:
you love only me but often my heart is heavy.
And then, my love, I think only of you.
You are away, I have sent you myself
Who knows if we ever will meet each other again to be happy together?
Will the suffering ever end?
Will there be an end to the anguish?
Thus separate the roads:
You are in battle and I am ready for that.
But know one thing only: I’ll love you forever.
And only death will separate us.
So let us, beloved, fight for our freedom.
And let us hope: It will still be good.
Let us know only one word: vengeance!
For our innocent spilled blood!
III. Mayn Land (My Land)
You are beautiful, my land, my blooming secret.
You are restored by the sweat and blood of your children.
And beautiful is my nation, my people.
My proud and brave people, from exile made free.
We come to you from all over the world.
And like a mother you hold us close to your heart.
Your beauty and greenery is our consolation.
Your attention heals our pains.
You are beautiful, my land.
We bring to you generations of suffering.
Courage and bravery from the suffocating exile.
Even today our brothers still fight bravely.
Those who refuse to be oppressed.
The new generation shouldn’t know this and children should now grow healthy, proud, free
Because our generation is only the basis, and they will renew the old nation.
You are beautiful, my land.
FARLORN ALEMEN – Yiddish transliteration
Key: ey = ā (grey) ei = ī (height) most u’s = uh (book) ch (Bach) ǝ = schwa (hut) single e (bed) o=aw
Farlorn Alemen
Tsi veyst ihr vos batayt es zayn aleyn?
Tsi ken mayn harts, mayn veytik ver farshteyn?
Farlorn tate, mame, mahn un fraynd
Tsu vemen zol mayn blik; zikh vend’n haynt?
Fun veytik blutik iz mayn harts
Nor fun di oygn kenen shoyn keyn trern mernit geyn
Vayl siz dokh alts in mir farshteynert fun dem payn
Mit zey tsuzamen vel ikh mernit zayn?
Un nit visn vel ikh mer shoyn fun dem glik vos gefilt ikh mit vokhen nor tsurik.
Ikh hob nit mer keyn tate, mame, mahn.
Tsi iz glik nokh oyf der velt far mir faran?
Tsi den vel ikh zey keynmol shoyn nit zen?
Tsi iz dos lebn shoyn far mir farshpilt tsi den?
Vel ikh nit hern mer di verter, “kh’hob dikh lib”?
Tsi blaybt mayn lebn shoyn oyf eybik a zoy trib?
Tsi veyst ihr vos batayt es zayn aleyn?
Du bist avek
Du bist avek, ikh hob aleyn geshikt
Far mir genug ikh veys du libst nor mikh,
got oft iz oyfn hartsn shver mir.
O, dan, mayn liber, trakht ikh nor fun dir.
Du bist avek, ikh hob aleyn geshikt
Ver veys tsi veln mir zikh nokh ven trefn tsuzamen gliklakh zayn?
Tsi veln zikh a mol shoyn endikn di laydn,
Un kumen vet a sof tsum payn?
Azoy tsegeyen zikh di vegn shtegn.
Du bist in kamf un ikh tsu dem bin greyt.
Nor eyn zakh veys: Ikh vel dikh shtendek libn.
Un tsesheydn ken undz bloyz der toyt.
Lomir, liber, to lomir liber, kemfn far der frayhayt,
un lomir hofn; svet undz nokh zayn gut.
Lomir visn nor eyn vort: Nekome!
Far undzer umshuldik fargosn blut!
Mayn Land
Bist sheyn, mayn land, mayn bliendiker sod.
Durkh blut un shveys fun dayne kinder abanayte.
Un sheyn es iz bay zikh in land, mayn folk, un sheyn land.
Mayn shtoltz, un mutik folk fun goles shoin bafrayt.
Mir kumen on tsu dir fun gor der velt.
Un vee, un muter drick tsu undz tsum hartsn.
Es iz dayn greenkayt, un dayn sheynkayt undzer treyst.
Dayn oifmerkzamkayt lindert undz di shmertsn.
Bist sheyn, mayn land.
Mir brengen mit fun doyres undzer payn.
Der mut un heldishkayt in goles a dershtikte.
Es kemfn heldish brider dort nokh haynt.
Vos viln mer nit zayn kayn unterdrikte.
Der nayer dor nit visn zol fun dem un vaksn zoln kinder itst, gezunte, shtoltse, fraye.
Vayl undzer dor iz nor der fundament, un zey veln dos alte folk banayen.
Bist sheyn, mayn land.
Transliteration based on standard YIVO pronunciation
Farlorn Alemen
Nashirah Chorus at Andrea Clearfield's Salon
Scored for: SATB chorus and piano, also in arrangement for SSAA chorus and piano, solo voice and piano. The work can be performed as a cycle or as independent movements. Suitable for a Yom Hashoah program. The composer has also made an arrangement of Farlorn Alemen for alto flute and guitar for Duo Sequenza. It can be heard on Navona Records here. It has been submitted FYC for the first round of Grammy voting as Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. Soundcloud link here.
Text: Sima Yashonsky-Feitelson, English translation by Raya Gonen
Language: Yiddish
Duration: 7:00 – 7:30 (full cycle approx. 17 min.)
Premiere: Originally composed in 2008, the choral premiere took place in May, 2011, Harold Prince Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commissioned by: Nashirah through the generosity of Cynthia and Jeffrey Silber
Published by: G. Schirmer. The publisher writes: “Written for and premiered by Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia, this poem by Sima Faitelson is full of power, and loss and the pain that accompanies loss. This incredibly creative composition will leave listeners and singers breathless.” More info here. Purchase here.
For more information contact Trudy Chan at Black Tea Music or contact Andrea Clearfield:
See preview score pages:
FARLORN ALEMEN perusal score
SOUNDCLOUD
YOUTUBE
SPOTIFY (Alto Flute and Guitar arrangement)
REVIEW
“I have enjoyed Andrea Clearfield’s music previously, her Women of Valor on Albany (Fanfare 41:1). In that piece, one was aware of a clear compositional virtuosity; here she pens a slow Farlorn Alemen based on a Holocaust poem that is reprinted in the disc’s accompanying documentation. Taken from a song cycle for soprano and piano, this arrangement was written for Duo Sequenza and is positively haunting. On a personal level, this is the most touching music on the disc.” DUO SEQUENZA: YES, IT’S STILL A THING! Duo Sequenza (Debra Silvert, fl/alto fl; Paul Bowman, gtr) NAVONA 6467
–Colin Clarke, FANFARE Magazine, October, 2022
PROGRAM NOTE
The original song cycle Farlorn Alemen was originally commissioned by Israeli soprano, Raya Gonen. “Farlorn Alemen” is the first movement of the cycle. The work is set to texts by Sima Yashonksy-Feitelson.
Sima was 16 years old when she lost both her parents and sibling in the Kovno Ghetto, Lithuania, during World War II. Her young husband was taken to a forced labor camp near Kovno in which all of the Kovno Ghetto Jews were shot. His job was to burn their bodies. Sima documented her life and experiences in the ghetto in a booklet of poems in Yiddish, which bears witness to the atrocities, her feelings of fear, loss and doubt whether she would see her husband ever again. She also documented her resistance activities in the underground movement, which was formed there against the Nazis.
Sima immigrated to Israel (with her husband, who survived the Holocaust) and re-united with friends from the Ghetto, including Raya Gonen’s parents. As a token of their friendship, Sima gave an autographed copy of her poems to Raya’s parents.
Raya commissioned me to set these poems to music so that they could be included on her touring Holocaust songs program. The work was premiered at Monmouth University, N.J. in 2008.
The choral arrangement of Movement I, “Farlorn Alemen” was commissioned by Nashirah, Jonathan Coopersmith, Artistic Director. The commission was made possible through the generosity of Cynthia and Jeffrey Silber. The premiere took place at the Prince Theater in Philadelphia in May, 2011. The Harmonium Choral Society, Anne Matlack, Artistic Director, commissioned me to make choral arrangements for the other two movements, “Du Bist Avek” and “Main Land” so that they could premiere the full choral cycle. That performance will take place in NJ in March, 2015.
The musical ideas arose from emotions and layers of meaning evoked by the poetry. “Farlorn Alemen” is a poem that asks poignantly, “Do you know what it means to be alone? Can anyone understand my heart’s pain?” The musical setting is made up of melodies that rise like questions with a single tone held, suspended, unsupported and vulnerable, over a piano ostinato. The melodic material was inspired by a haunting, pleading quality sometimes heard in cantorial chant and traditional Jewish song. The movement ends in unison – singers drop out one at a time until only one remains. Movement II, “Du Bist Avek” (You are gone) alternates between wandering contrapuntal lines representing the separation of Sima and her husband and strong, homogenous rhythms expressing their strength and courage in the resistance movement as they fight for their freedom. The words “ver veis” (who knows) repeat, representing the constant unknown. “Main Land” is a poem that Ms. Feitelson wrote after having been liberated and immigrated to Israel. The music is both joyful and introspective. The many voices again give way to a single voice, concluding the cycle.
The composer wishes to express gratitude to the Oberpfalzer Kunstlerhaus in Schwandorf, Germany, Yaddo in Saratoga Springs, NY and the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming where this work was created.
QUOTE
“It was immediately clear that Andrea understood Nashirah and our hopes for this commission. Her suggestion of a choral setting of the Yiddish Holocaust poem “Farlorn Alemen” was completely in harmony with Nashirah’s mission and esthetic. We knew we had not commissioned a mere choral piece, but a relevant and contemporary piece of art. Andrea’s music is a reflective and deeply moving commentary on the Holocaust, and should be a permanent piece of the Holocaust artistic canon. It was an honor to premiere this challenging and rewarding work, and we are deeply fortunate to have been a part of its creation.”
–Jonathan Coopersmith, Artistic Director, Nashirah
“Andrea is a wonderful composer. This is a fine concert piece and suitable for a Yom Hashoah program.”
–Judith Clurman, Rejoice: Honoring the Jewish Spirit Choral Series
“Written for and premiered by Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia, this poem by Sima Faitelson is full of power, and loss and the pain that accompanies loss. This incredibly creative composition will leave listeners and singers breathless.”
–G. Schirmer
REVIEWS of FARLORN ALEMEN AND “YES…IT’S STILL A THING!”
“I have enjoyed Andrea Clearfield’s music previously, her Women of Valor on Albany (Fanfare 41:1). In that piece, one was aware of a clear compositional virtuosity; here she pens a slow Farlorn Alemen based on a Holocaust poem that is reprinted in the disc’s accompanying documentation. Taken from a song cycle for soprano and piano, this arrangement was written for Duo Sequenza and is positively haunting. On a personal level, this is the most touching music on the disc.” DUO SEQUENZA: YES, IT’S STILL A THING! Duo Sequenza (Debra Silvert, fl/alto fl; Paul Bowman, gtr) NAVONA 6467
–Colin Clarke, FANFARE Magazine, October, 2022
“… beautifully performed…. rarely has the sound of the flute been captured as well… the guitar, too, sounds present and beautiful. The[ir] close musical partnership is near-telepathic…. Silvert wears her virtuosity lightly… a fabulous performance…[the] guitar solo [was] stunningly delivered by Bowman…. There is not one “dud” piece here, a testament to [their] programming…. Five stars: A fascinating, beautifully recorded disc; performances are beyond criticism throughout.” Colin Clarke, Fanfare
“…[they] give such attention to the tones and colors of their instruments… know[ing] precisely how to match and combine…. a glimpse at a conversation between equal partners… who bring out the best in each other…. I loved this album so much… incredible instrumentalists who perform with such enthusiasm for their repertoire. They deserve to be widely heard and appreciated…. Five stars — Duo Sequenza Is Just the Thing!” Jacqueline Kharouf, Fanfare
“By discussing each work separately, I fear that I may not have conveyed the full success of this disc. Silvert and Bowman have assembled a very attractive program of music… the selections merge into a satisfying whole. The altogether winning performances are technically adept and highly committed, and the recorded sound is well balanced and natural. Five stars: Attractive music… well played.” Henry Fogel, Fanfare
“…I just couldn’t resist this wonderful disc. Debra Silvert and Paul Bowman are not only masters of their instruments but have chosen a fine repertoire…. [They] enter freely into the spirit of all these pieces, producing a lovely recital. The recorded sound is fresh and lively…. Four stars: A gorgeous flute and guitar recital.” James H. North, Fanfare
“…another impressive release…. Silvert and Bowman are marvelous performers, impressive both for their individual tonal beauty and technical élan, and seamless collaboration. The recorded sound is lovely as well. A most pleasurable hour of music-making. Recommended. Four stars.” Ken Meltzer, Fanfare
“… magnificent and poetic… a journey you will never forget…. Breathtaking… both artists among the best musicians of 2022 and beyond…. Mesmerizing… a classical signature blends with a modern and timeless twist…. a strong dose of emotion and imagination. It reminds us how it feels to listen to pure music. Sadness and hope, smiles and tears, power and sensibility… incredible…. “ the-further (France)
“… a pioneering force in modern classical music…. their music is the work of two masters ….some of Silvert and Bowman’s most inspired playing…. [They] possess incredible technical prowess and have immense synergy together. Yes… It’s Still a Thing! will impress anyone with an appreciation for classical music, and further cement Duo Sequenza’s place as ambassadors in their genre.” The Ark of Music
TEXTS
I. FARLORN ALEMEN
(Losing Everyone)
poems by Sima Yashonksy-Feitelson, English translation by Raya Gonen
Do you know what it means to be alone?
Can anyone understand my heart’s pain?
Losing father, mother, husband and friend
Whom can I turn to today?
My heart is bleeding from pain
My eyes can shed no more tears
Everything in me has turned into stone from anguish
Together with them, I’ll never be again.
I will never know anymore the happiness which I felt only a few weeks ago
I have no father, mother, husband anymore.
Is there still any happiness reserved for me in the world?
Will I never see them again, then?
Is my life lost forever?
Will I ever hear the words “I love you” anymore?
Will my life story thus remain empty forever?
Do you know what it means to be alone?
II. Du Bist Avek (You are gone)
You are gone, I have sent you myself
It is enough for me to know:
you love only me but often my heart is heavy.
And then, my love, I think only of you.
You are away, I have sent you myself
Who knows if we ever will meet each other again to be happy together?
Will the suffering ever end?
Will there be an end to the anguish?
Thus separate the roads:
You are in battle and I am ready for that.
But know one thing only: I’ll love you forever.
And only death will separate us.
So let us, beloved, fight for our freedom.
And let us hope: It will still be good.
Let us know only one word: vengeance!
For our innocent spilled blood!
III. Mayn Land (My Land)
You are beautiful, my land, my blooming secret.
You are restored by the sweat and blood of your children.
And beautiful is my nation, my people.
My proud and brave people, from exile made free.
We come to you from all over the world.
And like a mother you hold us close to your heart.
Your beauty and greenery is our consolation.
Your attention heals our pains.
You are beautiful, my land.
We bring to you generations of suffering.
Courage and bravery from the suffocating exile.
Even today our brothers still fight bravely.
Those who refuse to be oppressed.
The new generation shouldn’t know this and children should now grow healthy, proud, free
Because our generation is only the basis, and they will renew the old nation.
You are beautiful, my land.
FARLORN ALEMEN – Yiddish transliteration
Key: ey = ā (grey) ei = ī (height) most u’s = uh (book) ch (Bach) ǝ = schwa (hut) single e (bed) o=aw
Farlorn Alemen
Tsi veyst ihr vos batayt es zayn aleyn?
Tsi ken mayn harts, mayn veytik ver farshteyn?
Farlorn tate, mame, mahn un fraynd
Tsu vemen zol mayn blik; zikh vend’n haynt?
Fun veytik blutik iz mayn harts
Nor fun di oygn kenen shoyn keyn trern mernit geyn
Vayl siz dokh alts in mir farshteynert fun dem payn
Mit zey tsuzamen vel ikh mernit zayn?
Un nit visn vel ikh mer shoyn fun dem glik vos gefilt ikh mit vokhen nor tsurik.
Ikh hob nit mer keyn tate, mame, mahn.
Tsi iz glik nokh oyf der velt far mir faran?
Tsi den vel ikh zey keynmol shoyn nit zen?
Tsi iz dos lebn shoyn far mir farshpilt tsi den?
Vel ikh nit hern mer di verter, “kh’hob dikh lib”?
Tsi blaybt mayn lebn shoyn oyf eybik a zoy trib?
Tsi veyst ihr vos batayt es zayn aleyn?
Du bist avek
Du bist avek, ikh hob aleyn geshikt
Far mir genug ikh veys du libst nor mikh,
got oft iz oyfn hartsn shver mir.
O, dan, mayn liber, trakht ikh nor fun dir.
Du bist avek, ikh hob aleyn geshikt
Ver veys tsi veln mir zikh nokh ven trefn tsuzamen gliklakh zayn?
Tsi veln zikh a mol shoyn endikn di laydn,
Un kumen vet a sof tsum payn?
Azoy tsegeyen zikh di vegn shtegn.
Du bist in kamf un ikh tsu dem bin greyt.
Nor eyn zakh veys: Ikh vel dikh shtendek libn.
Un tsesheydn ken undz bloyz der toyt.
Lomir, liber, to lomir liber, kemfn far der frayhayt,
un lomir hofn; svet undz nokh zayn gut.
Lomir visn nor eyn vort: Nekome!
Far undzer umshuldik fargosn blut!
Mayn Land
Bist sheyn, mayn land, mayn bliendiker sod.
Durkh blut un shveys fun dayne kinder abanayte.
Un sheyn es iz bay zikh in land, mayn folk, un sheyn land.
Mayn shtoltz, un mutik folk fun goles shoin bafrayt.
Mir kumen on tsu dir fun gor der velt.
Un vee, un muter drick tsu undz tsum hartsn.
Es iz dayn greenkayt, un dayn sheynkayt undzer treyst.
Dayn oifmerkzamkayt lindert undz di shmertsn.
Bist sheyn, mayn land.
Mir brengen mit fun doyres undzer payn.
Der mut un heldishkayt in goles a dershtikte.
Es kemfn heldish brider dort nokh haynt.
Vos viln mer nit zayn kayn unterdrikte.
Der nayer dor nit visn zol fun dem un vaksn zoln kinder itst, gezunte, shtoltse, fraye.
Vayl undzer dor iz nor der fundament, un zey veln dos alte folk banayen.
Bist sheyn, mayn land.
Transliteration based on standard YIVO pronunciation