Rumi

Voice of Longing

By: Coleman Barks

Narrated by: Coleman Barks

In the seven centuries since the death of Jelaluddin Rumi, in 1273, the world has come to know and thrill to his sacred poetry. In concert with the tabla and sitar, his writing is part of a religious tradition that is believed to excite "spiritual heroism", embracing the holiness of love, lamentation, battle, and the longing for God.

Rumi: Voice of Longing collects nearly 100 of Rumi's most memorable quatrains, presented here for the first time in a superb recording. Includes musical accompaniment by Marcus Wise on tablas and David Whetstone on sitar, and a special appearance by renowned poet Robert Bly.

Translated and performed by the Rumi scholar Coleman Barks, these works echo with a spiritual complexity that defies their outward simplicity. As Sufism acknowledges the truth of other religions, so does Rumi's poetry reflect universal themes: the search for the highest truth, the mystery of surrender, the longing to overcome ego imprisonment. Rumi: Voice of Longing captures the silence, the love, and the playfulness that make each experience with this work one of sacred wonder.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2002 Coleman Barks (P)2002 Coleman Barks

Rumi poetry set to music

loved it very good poetry set to music great narration and transitions some may not care for the narrators voice

Loud Background Music is Annoying!

The beauty of a background music is to stand veiled behind and not to be competing for attention.

Best of Rumi audiobooks

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a real work of art...based of poet Rumi's poems and vision...crafted through the music and the voice of Coleman Barks. It's a real blend in an oral tradition.

What did you learn from Rumi that you would use in your daily life?

Rumi speaks to all of us in our daily lives and path.

The Delectable Coleman Barks!

Rumi doesnt get any better! Coleman Barks not only brings us beautifully poetic interpretations, he embodies the traditional with spontaneous performances with musicians. Pretty good for a University Professor with a Georgia accent😋

he proves great readers make great writers

Coleman barks reminds me of an old hippie friend. enjoyable to sit back with him.

Get me in mood!

I so enjoy this audio, over and over. The voice, the readings and the background music all comes together in the most inspiring way. From the beginning to the very end it is one of my faves.

Spoilt by too much overbearing music

The reading of Eastern poetry is too Americanized and sounds like a pep talk. Don't believe I could recommend to anyone wanting to understand Rumi.

Worst voice ever for this piece 😩

No. Just. No.
No. No. No.
Worst voice ever for this piece 😩
Skip this version! I'm searching for another with a lovely voice deserving of Rumi

Poetry recitation

What would have made Rumi better?

The drum and music distract from the beautiful poetry of Rumi. The reading lacks a spiritual tone and thus is not inspiring. Sounds like an attempt to make an appeal to toughen men rather than embracing the experience of oneness. and love

Would you be willing to try another one of Coleman Barks’s performances?

no..not a reading, though I appreciate his intellectual discussions of Rumi's poetry.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

disappointment