Andando begins quickly and gradually decelerates through metric modulations in “Que yo quiero llegar tardando” (“For I want to arrive late”). This movement retreats from the busyness of everyday life into the solitude of nature at sundown.

“Mi corazón ya es remanso” (“My heart is already at peace”) opens in stasis. This lyrical movement first traces a modal melody, then it swells passionately to a strong, yearning climax, depicting the faithful tears the poet leaves behind.

“Dar mi alma a cada grano” (“To give my soul to each grain”) acts as a coda to the work. Melodic notes are decorated with extended runs, freely made from past material. The work ends with a recollection of the second movement, ending in peace.

Andando was written for and premiered by Regina Tanujaya at her recital concert, Poems and Pictures.

Andando

Andando, andando.
Que quiero oír cada grano
de la arena que voy pisando.

Andando.
Dejad atrás los caballos,
que yo quiero llegar tardando
(andando, andando)
dar mi alma a cada grano
de la tierra que voy rozando.

Andando, andando.
¡Qué dulce entrada en mi campo,
noche inmensa que vas bajando!

Andando.
Mi corazón ya es remanso;
ya soy lo que me está esperando
(andando, andando)
y mi pie parece, cálido,
que me va el corazón besando.

Andando, andando.
¡Que quiero ver el fiel llanto
del camino que voy dejando!

Juan Ramón Jiménez

Walking

Walking, walking.
How I want to hear each grain
of the sand I tread upon.

Walking.
Leave behind the horses,
for I want to arrive late
(walking, walking)
to give my soul to each grain
of the earth my feet graze.

Walking, walking.
How sweet to enter my field,
An expansive nightfall descends!

Walking.
My heart is already at peace;
I am the only one I expect
(walking, walking)
and my foot seems, burning,
as if continually kissing my heart.

Walking, walking
How I want to see the faithful tears
of the path I leave behind!

(Translated by the composer)

Performances

December 1st, 2018 by Regina Tanujaya for her “Poem and Pictures” Recital at White Recital Hall, University of Kansas City-Missouri, KCMO.