Concerti Orientali

About

Traditional Turkish music encompasses many sub-genres, one of which is Türk sanat müziği (classical urban music). Developed in the Ottoman court yet rooted in Anatolian folk traditions, it shares affinities with Eastern European and Middle Eastern music.

Concerti Orientali is the latest turn in a centuries-long musical exchange between East and West. Hakan A. Toker arranges iconic Turkish art songs for piano solo, string orchestra and optional singers, inviting Western-trained musicians to interpret makam-based repertoire while enriching it with Western harmony and counterpoint.

Watch / Listen:

YouTube playlist

Sample programme

Senede bir gün — Şekip Ayhan Özışık
Ayrılık Valsi — Zeki Müren
Huysuz ve tatlı kadın — Muzaffer İlkar
Yıldızların altında — Kaptanzade Ali Rıza Bey
Kimseye etmem şikayet — Kemani Serkis Efendi
Körfezdeki dalgın suya bir bak — Osman Nihat Akın
Sizden biri — Erol Sayan
Gece sahilden açıp sandalı — Şerif İçli
Varsın gönül aşkınla harab olsun — Şevki Bey

Versions

Version A — Instrumental

1 Instrumental soloist: Hakan A. Toker, piano and accordion,

String Orchestra (minimum 18 players): 5 first violins, 5 second violins, 3 violas, 4 cellos, 2 double basses,

1 Drummer

Rider:

Acoustic grand piano

Drum kit

Chairs and music stands for the orchestra

Version B — Vocal

Hakan A. Toker, piano and accordion,

1 or 2 Turkish traditional singer(s) male and/or female,

String Orchestra,

1 Drummer

Rider:

Acoustic grand piano,

Drum kit,

Sound system for singer only

Chairs and music stands for orchestra and singer(s)

C- Double Ensemble Version Including Turkish Instruments

Hakan A. Toker, piano and accordion,

1 Female Turkish singer,

1 Male Turkish singer,

1 Countertenor,

Turkish Traditional Ensemble (ud, kanun, tambur, kemençe, ney),

Conductor,

String Orchestra,

1 Drummer

Rider:

Acoustic grand piano,

Harpsichord (optional)

Drum kit,

Sound system for singers and Turkish instruments,

Chairs and music stands for both ensembles and singers