Invitation to the Dance

A colorful, rhythmic, varied trio of settings of David Ladinsky renderings of the Sufi poet Hafiz.

Item	Voicing	Duration
JS-125	SATB	8:45	Audio file		$6.00

Premiered in an all-Szymko program entitled a "A Choral Conspiracy," mixed chorus settings of mystical poets featuring unconventional accompanying forces, "Invitation to the Dance," features beer bottles, and hard shoe dancer accompaniments.. No.1, "Where is the Door to the Tavern" is a rowdy, polyphonic celebration of under everything as a potential "door to god." No.2, "Until,"- an introspective a cappella meditation features a poignant alto section solo. No.3, "The God Who Only Knows Four Words" is playful, fun, highly rhythmic with soprano soli (2) and presents an opportunity for dance collaboration.

Mixed Choir

Chorus & Orchestra

Difficulty

Advanced

Invitation to the Dance

Hafiz (14th c.) translated by Daniel Ladinsky

1. Where is the door to the tavern? (available as single octavo) Where is the door to God? In the sound of a barking dog In the ring of a hammer In a drop of rain In the face of everyone I see. 2. Until (available as single octavo) I think we are frightened every moment of our lives Until we Know Him 3. Every child has known God Every child has known God, Not the God of names, Not the God of don'ts, Not the God who ever does Anything weird, But the God who knows only four words. And keeps repeating them, saying: "Come dance with Me." Come Dance.