The Exquisite Hour

L'Heure exquise

Composed by R. Hahn. Sung by Susan Graham.

L’Heure exquise 

Paul Verlaine 1870

The white moon

Glows in the woods;

From each branch

Comes a voice

Beneath the mist...

O my beloved...

The pond reflects,

A deep mirror,

The silhouette

Of the black willow

Where the wind weeps...

It is time to dream.

A vast and tender

Peacefulness

Seems to descend

From the heavens

Irisdescent starlight...

This is the exquisite hour.