The Romance Do Not Scold Me, My Dear (Не брани меня, родная), by French-Russian composer from XIX century, is one of the pieces from Leon Theremin’s repertoire.
By learning this pieces on the theremin, practice opening hand for large change of finger positions, such as 1 – 6, 1 – 7, 1 – 8.
The style of this mid-19th-century romance is characterised by heightened emotion and expressiveness. Don’t be afraid to use deep vibrato and expressive, sweeping glissandi.
Watch recordings of the song by:
Leon Theremin
Vocal
Piano accompaniment recorded by Lydia Kavina
English translation of the lyrics:
Do not scold me, dearest one,
For loving him so much;
It is dreary, oh so dreary,
To live alone without him.
I know not what has happened
To me all of a sudden—
Why my heart aches so fiercely
And I am torn by longing.
My whole being is languishing,
I burn as if in a fire;
Nothing pleases, all is hateful,
And I suffer for his sake.
In bright days and dark nights,
In sleep and while awake,
Tears cloud my weary eyes;
I long to fly to him.
I need no fine finery—
Ribbons, gems, or rich brocade;
That young man’s curls and glances
Have set my poor heart aflame.
Have pity, oh, have pity, dear,
And cease your scolding words;
It seems such is my destiny—
That I am bound to love him.