Search - Gulizar Turkish Music Ensemble :: Music of the Whirling Dervishes: 800 Years of Mevl

Magical Music: Become the Dancer

Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 07/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This truly outstanding album, beautifully recorded in 2007 and with a enclosed blooklet with very good explanatory notes, takes us to a ritual, the ayin, of the Mevlevi Turkish Sufis, which includes the whirling dance. The ensemble of musicians includes tanbur lute, ney flute, kemençe fiddle, cello, bendir frame drums, kanun zither, kadüm kettle drums, and mazhar tambourine. The Gülizar Music Ensemble seems to be performing just in front of the listerner in a large chamber, as we sense some depth from subtle echo. From the opening introduction on ney, through instrument improvisations processions, whirling, qu'ran recitation, and final prayer, we sink into warm tranquility and awareness. The music, instrument and voice, is largely steady, grand, and dignified as the familiar flowing dance of the dervishes. This album is the best and most evocative of similar recordings in my collection. Over 70 minutes duration, it is a wonderful meditation. Listen and become the dikhr."