Ensemble Constantinople was co-founded by the Persian musical genius Kiya Tabassian, with the aspiration of bringing together different musical traditions of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. in Europe, the Meditterenean and the Middle East. Turkish kanun (Turkish zither) player and composer Didem Basar joins him in this journey along with accomplished percussionist, improviser, composer and instructor Patrick Graham, violinist and viola player Tanya LaPerrière and Iranian-Canadian percussionist Hamin Honari.
And what better name than Constantinople could have been chosen to crown this ensemble! Inspired by the ancient city of Constantinople, illuminating both East and West, the ensemble has released 23 albums since 2001.
Let’s lend an ear to this piece, performed by Ensemble Constantinople and composed by Murad III in the 16th century, and allow it to transport us to the world that once was!
Note that part of the lyrics say;
‘This world is temporary, don’t be duped
Don’t be haughty with a trust of corona and throne
Don’t feel confidence with saying seven climates is mine
Wake up my eyes, wake up from heedlessness‘
Wake up my bleary eyes, be awake’ reminding us the ephemeral nature of existence and a call to humility!
Didem Başar
