Symphony no. 24, "Majnun"

Symphony by Alan Hovhaness (1911 - 2000)

1. Majnun

— Tacet —

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2. Letters in the sand
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
One who traveled in the desert
Saw Majnun where he was sitting
All alone like a magician
Tracing letters in the sand.

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Researcher for this page: Jean Nandi

3. The distracted lover
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
"O distracted lover, writing
What the sword-wind of the desert
Undeciphers so that no one
After you shall understand."

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Researcher for this page: Jean Nandi

4. The sword‑wind

— Tacet —

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5. Majnun answered
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
Majnun answer'd.

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6. The beloved

— Tacet —

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7. The celestial beloved

— Tacet —

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8. Majnun's love song
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
"I am writing
Only for myself, and only Layla,
Writing in that word a volume
Over which forever poring,
From her very name I sip in fancy
Till I drink her lip."

Chorus:
 "Only Layla"

Text Authorship:

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Researcher for this page: Jean Nandi

9. The mysterious beloved
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
"I am writing
Only for myself, and only Layla,
 ...

Text Authorship:

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Researcher for this page: Jean Nandi
Total word count: 116