Henryk Górecki: Symphony No. 3 [“Symphony of Sorrowful Songs”], Op. 36

 Zofia Kilanowicz, Wit, Narodowa Orkiestra Symfoniczna Polskiego Radia w Katowicach

Lento - Sostenuto tranquillo ma cantabile • 27:10 Lento e Largo - Tranquillissimo - Cantabillissimo - Docissimo legatissimo • 37:28 Lento - Cantabile semplice

I. Lamentation of the Holy Cross Monastery (15th century)

[My son, chosen and loved,]
[Let your mother share your wounds]
 [And since, my dear son,]
 [I have always kept you in my heart,]
A takiez tobie wiernie sluzyla, [And loyally served you,]
 [Speak to your mother,]
 [make her happy,]
 [Though, my dear hope,]
 [you are now leaving me.]



 [Mother, no, do not cry,]
 [Queen of Heaven most chaste]
 [Help me always.]
 [Hail Mary.]

[Where has he gone,]
 [My dearest son?]
[Killed by the harsh enemy, perhaps,]
. [In the rebellion.]
 [You bad people,]
 [In the name of the Holy God,]
 [Tell me why you killed]
[My dear son.]

 [Never more]
 [Will I have his protection,]
[Even if I weep]
 [My old eyes away,]
[Or if my bitter tears]
 [Were to make another Oder,]
 [They would not bring back]
 [My son to life.]

[He lies in the grave]
 [I know not where]
[Though I ask people]
 [Everywhere]
[Perhaps the poor boy]
 [Lies in a rough trench]
 [Instead of lying, as he might,]
 [In a warm bed.]

 [Sing for him,]
[Little song-birds of God,]
 [For his mother ]
 [Cannot find him.]
[And God's little flowers,]
 [May you bloom all around ]
 [So that my son ]
 [May sleep happy.]