Inspired by "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam," J. Donald Walters (aka Kriyananda) embraces a lustrous (as opposed to licentious) spiritual interpretation of the Persian poem. "Here with a loaf of bread beneath the bough, A flask of wine, a book of verse--and Thou, Beside me singing in the Wilderness..." has often been interpreted with literal voluptuosity; Walters views the verse spiritually, with both love and divine ecstasy. Using eleven variations of an eight-measure theme (lovely yet strong enough for a hundred repetitions), Walters offers a balmy and exotic musical experience, with a modest tip to Scheherazade, but never showing one's navel. An ensemble of violin, guitar, oboe, flute, harp, cello, and other instruments take turns caressing the melody. Love seems so easy when listening to this music. Perfect for relaxation, meditation, or massage.
© Carol Wright /TiVo