Preludes to Ceremonies of the Whirling Dervishes

The Erguner Brothers - Preludes to Ceremonies of the Whirling Dervishes

Turkish classical music is based on modal systems, or maqam, similar to the western scale system. One of the genre's principal components is the music of the Mevlevi order of the Sufi sect, as performed on this disc. The Sufis, also known as the whirling dervishes, believe that music can provide a mystical link to God. Their ritual involves a dance, in which the celebrants spin continuously, their left hands pointed toward the earth and their right hands raised to the heavens, symbolizing their role as a conduit between the two.
One of the most prevalent instruments used by the musicians who accompany this ritual is the ney, a wooden flute which occupies a sacred position in Turkish classical music. Among the most acclaimed artists working in this genre, both Kudsi and Suleyman Erguner perform on this delicate-sounding instrument. The elder of the brothers, Kudsi, who emigrated to Paris, has for some twenty years strived to promote the appreciation of Sufi music throughout America and Europe and has recorded and performed with many western artists, including Peter Gabriel. Suleyman, who has remained in Istanbul, is a professional musician attached to Istanbul radio, as well as respected lecturer at the Academy of Music in that city. (from the liner notes)

Tracklisting:

1. Makam Bayati {13:55}

2. Maka Adjemashiran {9:40}

3. Makam Saba {13:27}

4. Makam Segah {15:12}

5. Makam Bayatiaraban {11:12}

6. Makam Yegah {8:51}

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