A Gift Of Love: Deepak & Friends Present Music Inspired By The Love Poems Of Rumi

Various Artists - New Age

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 25, 1998)
• Original Release Date: August 25, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rasa Music
• ASIN: B00000C2QN
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,148 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #10 in	Music > Miscellaneous > Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews > Poetry
  #52 in	Music > Dance & Electronic > Ambient

Track Listings

1. Valentine to Rumi [Musical Prelude]

2. My Burning Heart - Deepak Chopra M.D.

3. Bittersweet - Madonna

4. Intoxicated by Love - Demi Moore

5. Lover's Passion - Deepak Chopra M.D.

6. Do You Love Me - Deepak Chopra M.D.

7. Come to Me - Deepak Chopra M.D.

8. Desire

9. Alchemy of Love

10. Caught in the Fire of Love - Marian Stallings

11. Awakening - Deepak Chopra M.D.

12. I Am Yours - Robert Burke

13. Behind the Scenes - Blythe Danner

14. Looking for Your Face - Jared Harris

15. Meaning of Love - Goldie Hawn

16. Aroused Passion - Deepak Chopra M.D.

17. Dying to Love - Robert A.F. Thurman

18. Privileged Lovers - Deepak Chopra M.D.

19. Precious Love - Deepak Chopra M.D.

20. Surrender - Deepak Chopra M.D.

See all 36 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"The innocence of my life releases the God I love everywhere." These are the words of Rumi, 13th-century poet and founder of the Whirling Dervishes of Sufism, as spoken by the mature and melodious voice of Rosa Parks. Her voice, American history, those words, intense longing: Power. In celebration of the human spirit, The Gift of Love is a recitation of the love poems of Rumi by Dr. Chopra and celebrity friends, including Madonna, Goldie Hawn, and Robert A.F. Thurman. Sensual Middle Eastern-influenced music backs the reading and provides breaks between sections such as "Love Drunk" and "The Light of Love." The Gift of Love is sincere and potent stuff, unafraid of the deep physical, spiritual, and mental hunger that Rumi's words not only taste, but roll about the tongue and swallow whole. --Paige La Grone

Los Angeles Times

"A Gift of Love" features a host of celebs reciting the poetry of Rumi accompanied by the tranquil soundscapes of composers Adam Plack and Yaron Fuchs. In addition to Madonna, [Demi] Moore and [Martin] Sheen, the album also features Blythe Danner, Debra Winger, Goldie Hawn and others.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great introduction to Rumi for Westerners, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

First, let me say I disagree with the negative comments about this album posted by other listeners. Sure, Deepak is getting a little too commercial, but someone has to introduce this stuff to Americans! I keep seeing his new books and tapes and wonder whether they are just rehashing the same material, but when I hear them I am always inspired.

The Fan from Stockholm says the poems should be put to middle eastern music, but I went and listened to some of the music he recommended, and I can tell you most American's probably won't like it. Not that it is not good, it's just that people here do not have a cultural memory for the music he has recommended, so it may not evoke anything in the heart or mind, if you get my drift.

The music on Gift of Love IS inspiring (there are many natural instruments, but also some synth which I know some people don't like). The background music provides a perfect cadence for the readings. Amazon needs to put up some samples so others can hear. I am especially impressed with Madonna's voice on the track "Bittersweat." She needs to do more of this. Her voice is perfect for reciting Rumi. The same can be said for Demi Moore and Jared Harris.

Also, the reader that says this is a cheap production is crazy. OK, you get a cover that folds out to four sleeves. Inside are a book and two disks, one with 36 tracks of music and one with some commentary by Deepak. All for about $15. How is that cheap!

By the way, I don't work for these guys....

At any rate, this album was my introduction to Rumi, who I had heard a lot about but never really understood. It helped me get into the poems and understand the metaphors.

Best of luck to all who worked on this and please do some more.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gift Of Love!, December 20, 2003

By	"pamelaj4" (Colorado USA) - See all my reviews

This CD is an absolute joy to listen to! It thrills your senses. It makes your skin tingle. It opens your heart to love, brings you closer to God, the universe and all beings.

Usually I buy a CD, listen to it a few times and then it sits and collects dust. But this one is different. If I have a stressful day or whatever, I come home and listen to this and in only minutes I feel the stresses of the day leave me. I feel more grounded and as a friend said, it has the ability to put you in a deep meditative state.

I would rarely give any CD 5 stars, but this one rates it easily and if you are at are familiar with Rumi - you know his words are profoundly deep and touching to the human soul.

Deepak, You out did yourself this time -- A Fan!

I am sick of shadows! Blind me with you - Rumi

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Beautiful Experience, May 28, 2000

By A Customer

Some of the tracks on this CD actually moved me to tears with their overwhelming beauty. The effect of Rumi's achingly poignant words set against a fusion of east/west music is sometimes quite meditative and transcendental.

The only mistake I feel is the includion of Demi Moore who sounds as though she is reading these 'sacred' poems like a film script, unlike Madonna who appears to believe truly in what she is saying and mirrors Rumi's passion in her intonation of the words.

Don't let this put you off, however, there are 35 other memorable tracks.

I also disagree with some of the criticisms made on this site about the CD - take it for what it is and enjoy it. But please Deepak - confine your future 'friends' to those who have integrity and open hearts.

A wonderful CD and a true 'Gift of Love' for anyone - even yourself.