Translating poetry from one language to another is a daunting task - especially if one aims to put poetry in one language into poetry in another. The process requires close attention to the nuances of words and constructions in both languages. It requires sensitivity to the orchestration of sound, rhythm, and meaning that is essential to poetry.
With permission of the author, in this post I reproduce David Curzon's essay on translating the Psalms, his translations of Psalms 8, 13, 15, 19, 49, 114, 126, 131, 133, and 134, and a presentation and comment on his translation of the Testament of Jacob (Genesis 49:2-27) and Psalm 13.
Click here: Curzon_Translating_the_psalms.pdf
Though I might take issue with his interpretations of the nature of the Psalms, his translations are really impressive. Has he published a compilation of such translations? I can't find anything on Amazon.
Posted by: Phil Sumpter | April 28, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Hi Phil,
No, all of David Curzon's psalms to date are the ones I make available, thanks to his explicit permission and that of editors.
Perhaps I will succeed in contacting him again, and discover he has translated more in the last couple of years.
Posted by: JohnFH | April 29, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Well, if you discover that he works on commission, tell him there's someone wanting a translation of Ps 24. My payment will be the honour of free publication on my illustrious blog :)
Posted by: Phil Sumpter | April 30, 2009 at 03:49 AM
Hah! I'll let you know.
Posted by: JohnFH | April 30, 2009 at 08:12 AM