International Conference on the Role and Place of Music in the Education of Youth and Adults; Music in education; 1955

Canticle do Hope

Coming undraped and unescorted
-Although her wings have been torn out.
As a sacred chalice which is offered you
-Although her wings have been torn out.
A friendly sister’s admonition
-Although her wings have been torn out!
As a priest’s kind admonition
-Although her wings have been torn out!
As an angel’s kind admonition
-Although her wings have been torn out!

VII. CHORUS AND CROWD

Hope, Oh conqueror of death.

Morning’s tumultuous arrival

Fury, frenzied spirit; Oh Hope, Come

Lead us to gigantic portals!

Aureate being, luminous one,

You, delirious; freed from chains now,

Come, true unreality,

Be with us, all-powerful Hope,

Now with your wings so widely outspread!

PAUL CLAUDEL

of the Acadkmie FraBfaise

(Translated by Paul Hindemith)