Fuzûlî Kantatası-Şövkət Ələkbərova
I believe that every piece of music with or without words speaks to the soul and the soul responds. What does this whisper to yours? And how do you reply?
By the way, this is a "cantata" composed by the musician Jahangir Jahangirov in 1959, and premiered the same year at the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater. The work uses verses from classic Azerbaijani poet -philosopher Fuzuli's ghazals and a poem by Rasul Rza dedicated to Fuzuli.
Lyrics in English (translated by the British-American historian Bernard Lewis)
"
My love has tired me of my life-will she not tire of cruelty?
My sigh has set the spheres on fire-will not the candle of my passion burn?
On those faint and fail for her, my love bestows a healing drug.
Why does she give none to me; does she not think that I am sick?
I hid my pain from her. They said tell it to your love.
And if I tell that faithless one-I do not know, will she believe, or will she not?
In the night of separation, my soul burns, my eyes weep blood.
My cries awaken: does my black fate never wake?
Against the rose of your cheek, red tears stream from my eyes.
Dear lover, this is the time of roses, will not these flowing waters cloud?
It was not I who turned to you but you who drove my sense away.
When the fool who blames me sees you, will he not be put to shame?
Fuzuli is a crazy lover and a byword among folk.
Ask then what kind of love is this-of such a love does he not hire?
"