The Haitian-American composer Nathalie Joachim transforms a Haitian hymn, and in so doing creates a multi-layered tapestry of sound that evokes the many voices of Haiti—past, present, and future.
"Resevwa Li" comes from Joachim's Grammy-nominated 2019 album Fanm d'Ayiti (New Amsterdam Records), featuring the Spektral Quartet.
Resevwa Li
Men n’ap proche devan ou Granmèt
Avèk tout ti kado n yo papa
Li mèt tout piti kou li ye,
Tanpri resevwa li
Adye papa souple
Kisa pou m ta ba ou
Ou ki fè tout bagay
Ou ki mèt tout bagay
Kado nou pot pou ou
Se tout jefò n ap fe
Pou peyi n devlope
Pou lavi nou pi bèl.
Receive Them
We come before you, God
With all of our little gifts, Father
As little as they may be
Please receive them
Oh father, please
What should I give you
You, who make everything
You, who create everything
The gifts we bring to you
Are all of our efforts
To benefit our country
For our lives to be the most beautiful
translation by Nathalie Joachim