Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #124456 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03
• Formats: Abridged, Audiobook
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Audio CD

Features

• ISBN13: 9781564559586
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Hafiz (1320 - 1389) is the most beloved poet of Persia. He was born and lived in Shiraz where he became a famous spiritual teacher. When he died he was thought to have written an estimated 5,000 poems, of which 500 to 700 have survived. Hafiz' poems have been admired by such diverse writers as Goethe, Emerson, Nietzsche, Pushkin, Turgenev, and Garcia Lorca.

Translator Daniel Ladinsky was born and raised in the Midwest. For six years he made his honme in a spiritual community in western India, where he worked in a rural clinic free to the poor, and has published three volumes of Hafiz' poetry in translation: THE GIFT, THE SUBJECT TONIGHT IS LOVE, and I HEARD GOD LAUGHING.

From AudioFile
This performance of poetry by Hafiz (a fourteenth-century Persian poet) combines poetry with vocal and instrumental music. The poetry is of a mystic tradition that is generally outside of Western literature. It is presented against a background of music in some cases, as the lyrics of music in other cases. The passionate verse and music together create an impression greater than either could create in its own right. The text is read by Nataraja Kallio, who reads with subdued passion and intensity. A number of accomplished musicians are integral to the performance. This tape has a great deal to offer as a presentation of the work of Hafiz and/or as a meditative tool. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Gorgeous, luminous, humorous,
The poetry of Hafiz is beautiful, delicate and hits you right between the eyes.
I came to Hafiz via Rumi and while I can't easily tell you that one or the other is better, it is Hafiz I go back to most often for his purity, love, enthusiasm, humor, grit and how he can grab you when and where you dont expect.
The poems on this CD are read with a seductive love that suits the content, every poem convincing me more and again that it is by love we see the face of God, in anything.
Obviously, I love this CD. Not all Rumi fans are so easily shifted in their loyalty... but it's worth the time to find out how you feel about Hafiz.

Exquisite!
Beautiful beyond my expectations! When this arrived I popped it into the CD player to check it out (I took a chance on buying it) - I immediately realized it wasn't for casual listening, so I sat down to REALLY listen - and appreciate. It was worth every minute! When you are feeling quiet (or want to be) - treat yourself to this - it's very Heart-Centering!

A most delightful experience!
I ADORE this CD!!!
Immersing oneself in Hafiz's verse this way is such a perfect way to experience the beauty of his poerty. I have listened to this CD about 25-30 times now and yet each time a new depth in my heart is touched.
This CD is most likely not for everyone. It speaks only to those ripe and ready to open to the ancient and estatic wonders of Hafiz's poetry.
I implore the creators to PLEASE DO MORE of these wonderful CDs and make sure Nataraja Killio is "THE VOICE." His is the perfect voice for Hafiz's works.