If you would like to use our texts and translations, please click here for more information.

Text & Translation

Burja
Russian source: Aleksandr Blok

O, kak bezumno za oknom
Revjot, bushujet burja zlaja,
Nesutsja tuchi, l'jut dozhdjom,
I veter vojet, zamiraja!

Uzhasna noch'! V takuju noch'
Mne zhal' ljudej, lishjonnykh krova,
Sozhalen'je gonit proch' -
V ob"jat'ja kholoda syrogo!

Borot'sja s mrakom i dozhdjom,
Stradalcev uchast' razdeljaja...
O, kak bezumno za oknom
Bushujet veter, iznyvaja!

The storm
English translation © Julie Curtis

O, how wildly outside my window
The savage tempest roars and rages,
The scudding storm clouds unleash the rain
And the wind howls as it fades!

The night is dreadful! On such a night
I pity those bereft of shelter.
And compassion drives me forth
Into the embrace of the chill and damp!...

To contest with the gloom and rain,
Sharing the fate of those who suffer...
O, how wildly outside my window
The wind rages as it wearies!

Burja
Russian source: Aleksandr Blok

The storm
English source: Julie Curtis

O, kak bezumno za oknom
O, how wildly outside my window
Revjot, bushujet burja zlaja,
The savage tempest roars and rages,
Nesutsja tuchi, l'jut dozhdjom,
The scudding storm clouds unleash the rain
I veter vojet, zamiraja!
And the wind howls as it fades!

Uzhasna noch'! V takuju noch'
The night is dreadful! On such a night
Mne zhal' ljudej, lishjonnykh krova,
I pity those bereft of shelter.
Sozhalen'je gonit proch' -
And compassion drives me forth
V ob"jat'ja kholoda syrogo!
Into the embrace of the chill and damp!...

Borot'sja s mrakom i dozhdjom,
To contest with the gloom and rain,
Stradalcev uchast' razdeljaja...
Sharing the fate of those who suffer...
O, kak bezumno za oknom
O, how wildly outside my window
Bushujet veter, iznyvaja!
The wind rages as it wearies!

Composer

Dmitri Shostakovich

Dmitri Shostakovich was a Russian composer and pianist. He achieved fame in the Soviet Union, although later developed a more complex and difficult relationship with the government. As a composer, he combined a variety of different musical…

Poet

Aleksandr Blok

Alexander Alexandrovich Blok was a Russian lyrical poet, writer, publicist, playwright, translator, literary critic.

Help us with a Donation

Enjoying our texts and translations? Help us continue to offer this service to all.

Make a Donation

Select Tickets