In
modern day Persia, the 14th-century poet Hafiz remains the most treasured
voice of his homeland – a place where his work outsells Rumi, and
even the Koran. Yet only recently have Westerners come to know this
wild Sufi mystic’s astonishing verses on love and spiritual longing.
Now, with Hafiz: The Scent of Light, you will join Daniel Ladinsky
– the acclaimed translator of The Gift – to revel in more than 30
of Hafiz’ most stirring works. Offered here in the manner that Hafiz
composed them, spoken or sung spontaneously amid companions and inspired
music, each of these exquisite love songs (ghazals) shimmers with
a nuance, depth, and passion rarely captured in previous translations.
Hafiz
once said: “A poet is someone who can pour light into a cup, then
raise it to nourish your beautiful parched holy mouth.” From his vision
of an all-embracing Beloved who sees beyond our religious beliefs
to his revelations on the oneness of worldly ecstasy and spiritual
awakening, Hafiz continues to pour the light of his poetry forth today.
Music
composed and performed by Stevin McNamara (sitar and nylon string
guitar), with special guest artists/composers Steve Gorn (bansuri
flute), Jeffrey Rodgers (tabla, santoor, ethnic drums, percussion),
Annette Cantor (vocals), Pandit S.N. Sopori (drupad/khyal/tarana singing),
Bhushan Sopori (tabla), and Aurelia Roze (violin). Read by Nataraja
Kallio.