Songs of Separation
We all, as humans, experience separation in a variety of forms. Whether it be through the death of a loved one, a break-up, a divorce or a permanent relocation from family and friends, a parting of ways is a part of life for us all. To illustrate this musically, I chose to use the timeless words of the 13th century Persian poet, Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī to convey this inevitable human experience. Each of the four movements depict moments of grief, sorrow as well hope and encouragement. Rūmī reminds us through his words that “What hurts you, also blesses you”
I. The Garden
Your Grief can be the garden of compassion.
If you keep your heart open through everything,
your pain can become your ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.
But listen to me:
for one moment, quit being sad.
Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you.
What hurts you, blesses you.
Darkness is your candle.
II. Burning Hell
I plant some flowers without you –
They become thorns.
I see a peacock — it
turns into a snake.
I play the harp — nothing but noise.
I go to the highest heaven — it’s a
burning hell.
III. Dance
Dance, when you’re broken.
Dance, if you’re torn.
Dance in the middle of the fighting.
Dance in your blood.
Dance, when you’re perfectly free.
Life is ending? God gives another.
Admit the finite. Praise the Infinite!
Love is a spring — submerged!
Every separate drop, a whole new life.
VI. We Are All the Same
Listen to the reeds as they sway apart;
Hear them speak of lost friends.
At birth, you were cut from your bed,
Crying and grasping in separation.
Everyone listens, knowing your song.
You yearn for others who know your name,
And the words to your lament.
We are all the same, all the same,
Longing to find our way back;
Back to the one, back to the only one.
By Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī
Translation by Coleman Barks
Perusal Score:
Songs of Separation
20 minutes
mezzo-soprano and orchestra
National Symphony Orchestra and J'Nai Bridges
National Symphony Orchestra for J'Nai Bridges
We all, as humans, experience separation in a variety of forms. Whether it be through the death of a loved one, a break-up, a divorce or a permanent relocation from family and friends, a parting of ways is a part of life for us all. To illustrate this musically, I chose to use the timeless words of the 13th century Persian poet, Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī to convey this inevitable human experience. Each of the four movements depict moments of grief, sorrow as well hope and encouragement. Rūmī reminds us through his words that “What hurts you, also blesses you”
I. The Garden
Your Grief can be the garden of compassion.
If you keep your heart open through everything,
your pain can become your ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.
But listen to me:
for one moment, quit being sad.
Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you.
What hurts you, blesses you.
Darkness is your candle.
II. Burning Hell
I plant some flowers without you –
They become thorns.
I see a peacock — it
turns into a snake.
I play the harp — nothing but noise.
I go to the highest heaven — it’s a
burning hell.
III. Dance
Dance, when you’re broken.
Dance, if you’re torn.
Dance in the middle of the fighting.
Dance in your blood.
Dance, when you’re perfectly free.
Life is ending? God gives another.
Admit the finite. Praise the Infinite!
Love is a spring — submerged!
Every separate drop, a whole new life.
VI. We Are All the Same
Listen to the reeds as they sway apart;
Hear them speak of lost friends.
At birth, you were cut from your bed,
Crying and grasping in separation.
Everyone listens, knowing your song.
You yearn for others who know your name,
And the words to your lament.
We are all the same, all the same,
Longing to find our way back;
Back to the one, back to the only one.
By Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī
Translation by Coleman Barks
Perusal Score: