Performed live on March 25th, 2026 as part of Christopher Keach's Faculty Recital, "The Voice of the Trumpet"

Reflets by Lili Boulanger

Christopher Keach, flugelhorn

Risa Okina, piano

Program Notes:

Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) was a French composer and musician, associated with the Symbolist and Impressionist movements and was first woman to win the Grand Prix de Rome composition competition. Despite her short career, Boulanger has been praised for her introspective and originality throughout her composition. Boulanger’s Reflets was originally composed for Soprano and piano using the words of Maurice Maeterlinck but tonight, will be performed on Flugelhorn.

Reflets

Sous l'eau du songe qui s'élève Mon âme a peur, mon âme a peur. Et la lune luit dans mon coeur Plongé dans les sources du rêve ! Sous l'ennui morne des roseaux. Seul les reflets profonds des choses, Des lys, des palmes et des roses Pleurent encore au fond des eaux. Les fleurs s'effeuillent une à une Sur le reflet du firmament. Pour descendre, éternellement Sous l'eau du songe et dans la lune.

Reflections (English translation © Richard Stokes)

Beneath the water of the dream that rises, My soul is afraid, my soul is afraid. And the moon shines into my heart That is bathed in the dream’s source! Beneath the sad tedium of the reeds, Only the deep reflection of things, Of lilies, palms and roses, Still weep on the water’s bed. One by one the flowers shed their leaves Upon the firmament’s reflection To descend, eternally, Beneath the dream’s water and into the moon