Lalezar: Music of the Sultans, Sufis & Seraglio, Vol. 1 - Sultan Composers
This first of four CDs devoted to themusic of Turkey's Ottoman  Empireis a sampler of art pieces written by eight sultans over a span of  five centuries. The rulers had vastly different temperaments and frames of  reference, but all utilized the same demanding tonal modes, rhythms, and  methods of improvisation as did the court composers they patronized. Male and  female vocal solos and duets are supported by a consort consisting of a kanun  (plucked zither), ney (woodwind), tanbur (lute with four sets of double  strings), kemence (upright, three-stringed fiddle), and percussion. One  highlight is "Sevkutarab Kâr," the first recording ever of a hauntingly  erotic ballad by Selim III (assassinated 1808). The works are stately and  refined, yet rhythmically intense; they often smolder with suppressed longing  and passion. This collection is especially recommended for fans of Arabic and  Iranian classical styles, but devotees of Western medieval music will also be  intrigued.--Christina Roden