Divan on Themes of Hafez
for countertenor, oboe, and string orchestra, with percussion
Composition Date: 2012
Duration: 23'
Instrumentation: CT(perc-opt)/ob/Str
Information:
Commissioned by Michael Chance and Fretwork. String orchestra version written at the request of George Vass.
Programme Note:
DIVAN
Sally Beamish 2009
for countertenor, oboe, and string orchestra, with percussion
texts: Divan-e-Hafez, translated by Jila Peacock
I have been setting the work of the Persian 14th century poet Hafez since 2007. I was introduced to Hafez by the Iranian-born, Glasgow-based artist Jila Peacock, whose 'shape poems', using Hafez' original texts to make expressive images of birds and animals, were a springboard for inspiration. The artist had also made simple, direct translations of the poems, which seemed ideal for setting to music.
In 2009 I made a new 'Divan' (collection), taking elements of the previous works as a starting point, and reinventing them for countertenor, oboe and viols, while developing the material to include new instrumental sections. The music reflects traditional classical Iranian setar playing, ornamentation and birdsong.
This work was first performed at Kings College Chapel, Cambridge, by Michael Chance, Nicholas Daniel, and Fretwork, in November 2009.
At the request of George Vass, I have made a new version of Divan, for countertenor, oboe, percussion and string orchestra.
Sally Beamish 2012
INTRODUCTION
Nightingale
Roaming the dawn garden
I heard the call of a nightingale
Forlorn like me he loved the rose
And in that cry surged all his warbling grief
I drifted in that garden’s timeless moment
Balancing the plight of rose and bird
For endless roses flower each day
Yet no man plucks a single bloom
Without the risk of thorn
O Hafez, seek no gain from the orbit of this wheel
It has a thousand failings and no concern for you
REFRAIN 1
Fish
When my beloved offers the cup
Graven idols are crushed,
And those who gaze into that intoxicating eye
Call ecstatically for rescue.
I plunge into the ocean like a fish
Craving the beloved’s hook,
I fall pleading at those feet
In hope of a helping hand.
O happy the heart who like Hafez
Has tasted the wine of creation.
Falcon
‘When all is said and done,
What have you gained?
The falcons of the path repose content as flies,
Such is the sweetness of this world.
But I have seen the lightening flash from Sinai,
And I can bring you brands of burning bush.
The caravan has left you
Sleeping in the wilderness.
How many bells must ring
To rouse you from your daze?
Pity a bird like you
Imprisoned in a cage.
Spread your wings and sing
From the Tree of Paradise.
Horse
The rose opens crimson
And the nightingale is drunk with love.
Our time of joy comes tied to care,
As bliss was bound to loss at time’s dawn.
Even Solomon’s splendour,
His horse of the winds,
The language of the birds
Are lost with the wind.
Each shining arrow soars a while
But must return to dust.
So do not waver from the path
Love life now,
For oblivion completes all design.
O Hafez, rejoicing in the beauty of your pen,
See how we pass your words from heart to heart!
REFRAIN 2
Hoopoe
O Hoopoe of the east wind,
To Sheba I shall send you.
Take heed from where to where
I shall send you
Pity a bird like you
Lodged in a well of sorrow.
From here, to the nest of devotion
I shall send you
In quest of love
There is no near or far but only now.
I see you whole, and my fealty
I shall send you
Whispering in the winds
Each dawn and dusk,
Convoys of sweet invocations
I shall send you
Love’s face
Reveals the joy of all Creation
In the God-reflecting mirror
I shall send you
CODA
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