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

Book 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.

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.