Ithaca
(2009) – unaccompanied chorus
Poem by C. P. Cavafy: Translation by Avi Sharon
Duration: 10'
Commissioned by the BBC for a Promenade concert in 2010

World Premier: 4 September 2010, Cadogan Hall, London
BBC Singers, conductor David Hill

Publisher:  Novello & Co Ltd

Composer's Note:

C. P. Cavafy (1863-1933) was a Greek poet who lived most of his life in Alexandria. This poem was written in 1910, and the first English translation published in 1924.

The poem ostensibly describes the return of Odysseus to Ithaca with all the perils he encounters on the way. I think that the poem is also about the journey of life that we all undertake: though the perils such as the canabalistic Laestrygonians, angry Poseidon are metaphoric we can probably find events in our lives that are somewhat parallel!

However the poet stresses that it is the journey that is important – not the “destination”.

“Pray that the journey be long”: “Do not hurry the journey at all”. He describes the richness of the possible adventures on the way. That life be full and rewarding. “For Ithaca gave you a splendid voyage”. Then the arrival in Ithaca will not disappoint.

                        Ithaca
When you start on your way to Ithaca,
pray that the journey be long,
rich in adventure, rich in discovery.
Do not fear the Cyclops, the Laestrygonians
or the anger of Poseidon. You’ll not encounter them
on the way if your thoughts remain high,
if a rare emotion possesses you body and soul.
You will not encounter the Cyclops,
the Laestrygonians or savage Poseidon
if you do not carry them in your soul,
if your soul does not set them before you.

Pray that the journey be a long one,
that there be countless summer mornings
when, with what pleasure, what joy,
you drift into harbors never before seen;
that you make port in Phoenician markets
and purchase their lovely goods:
coral and mother of pearl, ebony and amber,
and every kind of delightful perfume.
Acquire all the voluptuous perfumes that you can,
then sail to Egypt’s many towns
to learn and learn from their scholars.

Always keep Ithaca fixed in your mind.
Arrival there is your destination.
Yet do not hurry the journey at all:
better that it lasts for many years
and you arrive an old man on the island,
rich from all that you have gained on the way,
not counting on Ithaca for riches.

For Ithaca gave you the splendid voyage:
without her you would never have embarked.
She has nothing more to give you now.

And though you find her poor, she has not misled you;
you having grown so wise, so experienced from your travels,
by then you will have learned what Ithacas mean.

Translated by Avi Sharon: Penguin Group (USA) Inc:
                375 Hudson St, NY, NY 10014

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