The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
for high voice and chamber instruments
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam sets an English translation of twenty-nine ruba’i, or quatrains, by Persian poet, philosopher, and mathematician Omar Khayyam. The ruba’i are grouped into six songs, which begin with an Introduction. The cycle also includes two instrumental interludes - a dirge for solo violin following the third song and a set of variations on the traditional Persian folk song, “Baba Karam,” following the fifth song.
The words of Omar Khayyam transcend cultural, religious, and chronological boundaries and speak to the universality of mankind. The wise Khayyam teaches us valuable lessons about life, love, religion, and death with a message of acceptance of who we are and our place in this universe.
The words of Omar Khayyam transcend cultural, religious, and chronological boundaries and speak to the universality of mankind. The wise Khayyam teaches us valuable lessons about life, love, religion, and death with a message of acceptance of who we are and our place in this universe.
