eu sou
(1999) 6′
soprano and string orchestra
Program Notes
eu sou is an aria for soprano and string orchestra. It was initially a movement from a larger work tormenta e harmonia, for chamber ensemble, commissioned by the Companhia Nacional de Bailado for the Estúdio Coreográfico. I later orchestrated it for string orchestra as a companion work to my other scores for soprano and string orchestra.
Lyrics
Eu sou
by Alexandra Montano
Eu sou, sou mulher,
sou mulher e sou divina
Sou criatura de sonho e poesia
Quando as minhas coxas se movem
a terra inteira estremece
Eu sou, sou laranja do Sol
e turquesa da água
De pernas fortes para bailar
para carregar minhas filhas por onde seja and
Sou para ti tua noite fresca
e sou dona das estrelas
Sou para ti tua égua selvagem
e sou rainha de todas as brisas
Eu sou mulher e sou divina
Sou criatura de calor e terra
Sou criatura de sonho e poesia
Sou criatura de amor e vida
Eu sou, sou mulher,
sou mulher e sou divina
Sou criatura de tormenta e harmonia
(English translation)
I am, I am a woman,
I am a woman and I am divine
I am a creature of dream and poetry
When my hips move
the whole earth shakes
I am orange from the Sun
and turquoise from the water
With strong legs for dancing
to carry my daughters everywhere
I am for you your cool evening
I am the ruler of the stars
I am for you your wild mare
I am the queen of all breezes
I am a woman and I am divine
I am a creature of heat and hearth
I am a creature of dream and poetry
I am a creature of love and life
I am, I am a woman,
I am a woman and I am divine
I am a creature of torment and harmony
(Unpublished. With permission from the author to reprint and set to music. Originally written in Spanish, translated into Portuguese and English by the author and the composer)
Score Excerpts