Shakuntala
A setting in Sanskrit for two alto voices of one of the most beautiful passages in the Sanskrit language by fourth century playwright and poet Kalidasa. Composed in 2006.
Instrumentation: Two alto voices
Duration: 5 min.
Text:
From Kalidasa's Shakuntala:
NOTE: The story of Shakuntala (shakuntas/birds) first appeared in the Mahabharata and was later adapted into a play by Kalidasa. This passage is considered to be the most beautiful in the Sanskrit language.
ramyani viksya madhurans ca nisamya sabdan paryutsuki bhavati yat sukhito'pi jantuhu tac cetasa smarati nunam abodhapurvam bhavasthirani jananantara sauhrudani be there waiting Kalidasa, 4th c. |
Even the man who is happy and his heart overflows with a longing then it must be that he is remembering in a life before this Translation by W.S. Merwin, 1977 |