Infinite Gratitude, 1963
Rene Magritte

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Gustav Mahler: Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen

 Berliner Philharmoniker - Claudio Abbado

Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen,
Mit der ich sonst viele Zeit verdorben,
Sie hat so lange nichts von mir vernommen,
Sie mag wohl glauben, ich sei gestorben!

Es ist mir auch gar nichts daran gelegen,
Ob sie mich für gestorben hält,
Ich kann auch gar nichts sagen dagegen,
Denn wirklich bin ich gestorben der Welt.

Ich bin gestorben dem Weltgetümmel,
Und ruh' in einem stillen Gebiet!
Ich leb' allein in meinem Himmel,
In meinem Lieben, in meinem Lied!

(Friedrich Rückert, 1788-1866)

I am lost to the world with which I have wasted so much time. It may well believe that I am dead.

I don’t care if the world thinks me dead for I really am dead to it.
Away from the rat race I am at peace, alone in my heaven, my love and my song.

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection Symphony)

Photo: Polar Mesospheric Clouds Illuminated by Orbital Sunrise (Wikipedia)

Sohrab and Gordafarid - Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam (Dance-video)

"Sohrab and Gordafarid" is inspired by the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), a masterly rendition of Iran's national history in verse by Ferdowsi. Sohrab is born of a night of love between the great Persian hero Rostam and Princess Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangan. Seeking his father, Sohrab goes to Persia. Although still young, he already has the reputation of a great hero, bringing terror to the hearts of his adversaries, who attempt to prevent him from arriving at his destination. Gordafarid, a young warrior maiden, disguised in the armor of a man, challenges Sohrab. During the battle, Sohrab uses his lance to throw Goradafarid's helmet to the ground. Her courage and patriotism impress Sohrab and touch his heart.