Engaging photographs via the lovely blog
made me want to know more about
the story behind the story.
These images are actually screenshots
from the Sergei Parajanov film
The Color of Pomegranates.
It is the story of
the priest, poet, and "king of songs"
Sayat Nova.
Born in 1712, he
served as an Armenian
Court Musician and Poet
for the king of Georgia.
Wow! Sounds romantic!
Well, sort of.
He fell for the king's sister
(Princess Anna) and was...let go.
He spent the rest of his life
as a monk
writing music and poetry.
Wow! Sounds romantic!
Well, sort of.
Sayat Nova was executed in 1795
by the army of Agha Mohammed Khan
for refusing to renounce
his Christian faith.
(Excerpt from "Love Song")
I SIGH not, while thou art my soul ! Fair one, thou art to me
A golden cup, with water filled of immortality.
I sit me down, that over me may fall thy shadow, sweet;
Thou art a gold-embroidered tent to shield me from the heat.
First hear my fault, and, if thou wilt, then slay this erring man;
Thou hast all power; to me thou art the Sultan and the Khan.
