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Album: Café İstanbul : Sirtolar Ve Longalar
Artist: Göksel Baktagir
Genre: Turkish Folk / Ottoman Classical / Instrumental
Release Date: January 1, 2001
Label: Kalan Müzik

This album is a masterful journey through the rhythmic and melodic landscapes of traditional Ottoman instrumental music, performed by the renowned qanun virtuoso Göksel Baktagir. The title refers to two classical forms that are the heart of the album:

Sirtolar (Sirtos): Instrumental pieces typically characterized by a lively, flowing rhythmic structure.
Longalar (Longas): Compositions often associated with a faster, more spirited tempo and a distinct 6/8 or 4/4 rhythmic feel, popular in both Ottoman court music and folk traditions.

On Café İstanbul, Baktagir, a celebrated master of the qanun (a trapezoidal zither), presents a collection of 17 tracks that span over an hour of music. The album serves as a sonic portrait of Istanbul’s traditional music cafes, where these instrumental forms were historically performed.

The album features a rich selection of pieces based on various classical makams (melodic modes), including:

Musical Style

With just the qanun at the forefront, supported by a traditional ensemble, the album highlights Baktagir’s extraordinary dexterity and emotional depth. The sound is both intricate and accessible, blending the improvisational spirit of taksim with the structured elegance of composed sirto and longa forms.

The album concludes with two remix tracks (“Şehnaz Longa (Remix)” and “Nihavend Longa (Remix)”), offering a subtle, modern touch that bridges the ancient sounds with contemporary sensibilities.

This recording is an essential listen for lovers of Turkish classical music, instrumental world music, and anyone seeking the authentic sound of Café İstanbul.