Tchaikovsky- Romance Op. 73 No.1: Mi sideli s toboy (We Sat Together) (arr. I. Mikhnovsky)

The first of 6 Romances Op. 73 for voice and piano, arranged for solo piano by Isaac Mikhnovsky (1914- 1978). Performed by Petronel Malan. In 1891, Tchaikovsky received poems from Danyl Ratgauz, a 24-year-old law student at Kiev University. "I should say frankly that I frequently receive many letters like yours (i.e. with suggestions for poems to be set to music), and for almost the first time I have the opportunity to reply with unqualified gratitude and a sincere expression of sympathy." "One (of the poems) in particular cries out for music," Tchaikovsky wrote, "'We Sat Together'." The cycle was finished in May 1893. It was Tchaikovsky's last completed work before his death in November of the same year. Russian Text: Мы сидели с тобой у заснувшей реки. С тихой песней проплыли домой рыбаки. Солнца луч золотой за рекой догорал. И тебе я тогда ничего не сказал. Загремело в дали, надвигалась гроза, По ресницам твоим покатилась слеза. И с безумным рыданьем к тебе я припал, И тебе ничего, ничего не сказал. И теперь, в эти дни, я, как прежде, один, Уж не жду ничего от грядущих годин. В сердце жизненный звук уж давно отзвучал... Ах, зачем, ах, зачем я тебе ничего, ничего не сказал! English Translation: We sat together by a sleepy stream. With a soft song, fishermen sailed past, heading homeward. The sun's light burned out across the water, And I spoke not a word to you. Distant thunder rolled, the storm drew nearer, On your lashes a tear began to pearl. And with mad sobs I pressed myself to you, But nothing, nothing did I say to you. And now, these days, as alone as before, I expect nothing of the years to come. In my heart, long since, that vital voice has ceased… Oh, why, oh, why did I say nothing, nothing to you? ___ Photo by labémolmineur (Jbeil, Jordan). DISCLAIMER: This piece is uploaded for educational purposes and remains copyright and property of its owner. No infringement is intended. Petronel Malan's album "Transfigured Tchaikovsky", a collection of song transcriptions by Mikhnovsky and Feinberg, is a gem. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Transfigured-Tchaikovsky-Petronel-Malan/dp/B006ZS8HAQ