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Music by Richard deCosta

An orchestral, vocal, and percussion arrangement inspired by a 17th-century gazel penned under the pseudonym Farisî. This piece delves into timeless themes of love, heartache, and ineffable beauty, weaving together classical orchestration with Western and decidedly non-Western instruments and rhythms. Captivating vocals bring to life the emotionally charged poetry, set against a backdrop of rich orchestral layers and percussion. Experience a union of historical depth and contemporary artistry.


Fragment of gazel by Sultan Osman II (known as Osman the Young) under his pen name, Farisî (17th Century)

Soon as I beheld thee, mazed and wildered grew my sad heart;
How shall I my love disclose to thee who tyrant dread art?
How shall I hold straight upon my road, when yonder Torment
Smitten hath my breast with deadly wounds by her eyelash-dart?
Face, a rose; and mouth, a rosebud; form, a slender sapling

How shall I not be the slave of Princess such as thou art?
Ne'er hath heart a beauty seen like her of graceful figure;
Joyous would I for yon charmer's eyebrow with my life part.
Farisî, what can I do but love that peerless beauty?
Ah! This aged sphere hath made me lover of yon sweat-heart.

Translated by E. J. W. GIBB

New tracks tagged #farisi