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POZITIF PRODUCTIONS

THE WOMEN'S ENSEMBLE OF ISTANBUL The term "music of the harem" does not designate a musical genre in itself, but rather a female interpretation of the music within the secretive Ottoman palace. Starting in the eighteenth century, classical music began to be appreciated outside the Ottoman palace. A new form of music developed progressively using the same ingredients as classical music but lighter in both form and poetic themes. The many compositions which emerged from this new source of creativity came to further enrich the harem's repertory. The Women's Ensemble of Istanbul is a relatively young ensemble that is making history by reviving a forgotten tradition. The ensemble is continuing its work under the musical directorship of Süleyman Erguner. Besides regular international concerts, the ensemble recently issued a CD for the French label Al Sur. The ensemble consists of five instrumentalists (two kanuns, kemençe, ud, tanbur) and four vocalists. Several musicians in the ensemble perform on radio and work in the Istanbul Conservatory. The repertory of "Harem Music" is interpreted in a style close to the fasil, which is characterized by an unusual freedom in arnamentation for the musicians and singers and generally by an energetic interpretation. It is remarkable that the women of the Harem, whom Westerners imagine as prisoners (albeit in a golden cage), express their music with such joy and spontaneity.

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