Song No 27: Masnavi Bayāt-e Tork
According to those who have seen him, Djenāb Damāvandi was highly knowledgeable in Persian literature and had memorized many poems. Perhaps his education under his father, a distinguished teacher during the Qajar era, or his studies at one of Tehrān’s prestigious schools, like the Sadr School, was the reason for this. A desert explorer coincidentally encountered Majnoun (the lover) in the desert As heard in this piece, the selection of a verse from the Haft Orang (Seven Thrones) by Jāmi and the inclusion of a line from Salāmān ol-Absal show the artist's skill in harmonizing poetry with song, for altering classic Persian poetry is not an easy task. Performing such a poem in the Masnavi Bayāt-e Tork requires considerable skill and practice.
Masnavi Bayāt-e Tork Lyrics
A desert explorer coincidentally encountered Majnoun (the lover) in the desert
Sitting alone in the corner of the desert
Wearing royal robes
The complete text of this beautiful poem is as follows:
A desert wanderer saw Majnoun,
Sitting alone in the midst of the wilderness.
He had written on the sand with the fingers of his pen,
Striking words, inscribed by his own hand.
He asked, “O infatuated one, what is this?
Who is it that you write a letter to?”
“Whatever you wish, suffer through its ink,
The blade of the storm will wipe away its meaning.
Who remains on the tablet of sand,
So that another may read it after you?”
Majnoun replied, “I will tell the tale of Leila›s beauty,
I will comfort my heart with it.
I write her name first and last,
I inscribe a letter of love and loyalty.
There is nothing in my hand but her name,
From her greatness, my worth has been elevated.
I have not tasted a drop from her cup,
Yet I engage in love-making with her name.”
Djenab Damavandi (Mohammad Falahi)
Singer
Mortezā Khān Ney-Dāvoud
Tār Player
Mousā Khān Ney-Dāvoud
Violin player
Other Suggested Gramophone Record
