Cignus ustus cantat

The song 'Cignus ustus cantat' from Carmina Burana is a poignant and dramatic piece that tells the story of a swan who once lived a beautiful and graceful life but now finds itself in a dire and tragic situation. The lyrics, written in Latin, evoke a sense of loss and transformation, as the swan laments its current state compared to its former glory.

The opening lines, 'Olim lacus colueram, olim pulcher extiteram, dum cignus ego fueram,' translate to 'Once I lived on lakes, once I looked beautiful, when I was a swan.' This sets the stage for the swan's lament, highlighting the stark contrast between its past and present. The repeated exclamation 'Miser, miser!' (Wretched, wretched!) underscores the swan's deep sorrow and despair. The swan, now blackened and burnt, reflects on its former beauty and freedom, which have been replaced by suffering and confinement.

The imagery of the swan being roasted and served on a platter ('me rogus urit fortiter; propinat me nunc dapifer') is a powerful metaphor for the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life. The swan's transformation from a graceful creature to a charred and helpless victim can be seen as a commentary on the inevitability of change and the often cruel twists of fate. The final lines, 'Nunc in scutella iaceo, et volitare nequeo dentes frendentes video,' meaning 'Now I lie on a dish, and cannot fly, I see gnashing teeth,' further emphasize the swan's tragic fate and the loss of its former freedom.

Carmina Burana, composed by Carl Orff, is a collection of medieval poems set to music, and 'Cignus ustus cantat' is one of its most evocative pieces. The song's themes of transformation, loss, and the harshness of fate resonate deeply, making it a powerful and enduring work of art.