In preparations for Lent, I went out to look for some good music to better immerse myself in this holy season. While searching I have found this wonderful piece of music by Henryk Górecki (shame on me for not knowing it before).
His Symphony No.3 or Symphony of Sorrowful Songs is simply beautiful, dark and a very engaging piece. For almost an hour you are immersed in deep lamentations.
What struck me the most when listening to this piece is that it reflects Poland and its past so well. Poland has been enslaved in wars for over 200 years and its Catholic soul has been deeply affected by it. It is no wonder that this music comes from Górecki who is a devout Catholic and understands the soul of his country well.
The lyrics are simple and beautiful. I'm providing them here both in English and Polish versions.
English Version
I
My son, chosen and loved,
Let your mother share your wounds
And since, my dear son,
I have always kept you in my heart,
And loyally served you,
Speak to your mother,
make her happy ,
Though, my cherished hope,
you are now leaving me.
II
No, Mother, do not weep,
Most chaste Queen of Heaven
Help me always.
Hail Mary.
III
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.
Polish Version
I
Synku miły i wybrany,
Rozdziel z matką swoje rany,
A wszakom cię, synku miły, w swem sercu nosiła,
A takież tobie wiernie służyła.
Przemów k matce, bych się ucieszyła,
Bo już jidziesz ode mnie, moja nadziejo miła.
II
Mamo, nie płacz, nie.
Niebios Przeczysta Królowo,
Ty zawsze wspieraj mnie.
Zdrować Mario, Łaskiś Pełna.
III
Kajze mi się podział
mój synocek miły?
Pewnie go w powstaniu
złe wrogi zabiły.
Wy niedobrzy ludzie,
dla Boga świętego
cemuście zabili
synocka mojego?