Description
Instrumental duo inspired by the poem Rosa Divina by Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz (a Mexican nun and poet from the 17th century).
The poem explores the mystery of the rose, which deceives us in its life and teaches us in its death. The music is written with a mediaeval feel and at one point, for special effect, provides a startling three note phrase of parallel fifths. The mode is Dorian.
Rosa divina que en gentil cultura eres, con tu fragrante sutileza.
Magisterio purpureo en la belleza, enseñanza nevada a la hermosura.
Amago de la humana arquitectura, ejemplo de la vana gentileza.
En cuyo ser unio naturaleza la cuna alegre y triste sepultura,
cuan altiva en tu pompa premusida soberbia.
El riesgo de morir desdeñas.
Y luego desmayada y encogida.
De tu caduco ser das mustias señas.
Con que con docta muerte y necia vida,
viviendo engañas, muriendo enseñas.
Divine rose, you who are so finely cultivated with your
fragrant sweetness and magisterial purple, teaching snowy white beauty.
You are the image of human architecture,
in whose being nature is united.
You have a happy grave and you scorn death in your pride.
Then struck down, you teach us in your frailty.
Your life is vain, you deceive us in your life.
Your death is learnèd, you teach us in your death.