French composer and music professor Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) known for composing piano with mélodie published this composition 1878. The poem loosely translates to (originally Italian and anonymous) a dream with a romantic development. Gabriel captures the dream state so vividly.
In a slumber enchanted by your image I dreamed of happiness, passionate mirage,
Your eyes were softer, your voice pure and resonant, You shone like a sky lit up by the dawn;
You called me and I left the earth To run away with you towards the light,
The skies opened their clouds for us, Unknown splendors, divine flashes glimpsed,
Alas! Alas! sad awakening from dreams I call you, O night, give me back your lies,
Return, return radiant, Return, O mysterious night!
A wonderfully nuanced vocal rendition of the poem is found at
Beautiful, passionate, effortless, elegant and tasteful.
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