Bosphorus Trio showcase Turkish piano trios

In my opinion, the wonderful thing about classical music is its adaptability. Composers from all over the world have used the genre to create music of great beauty and substance. And in the process, bring something of their own culture in the cosmopolitan mix.

And how much native music traditions should go into that mix? The answer is different for every composer. And there's no wrong answer. This release features piano trios by four Turkish composers. Each one brings his own personality to the genre.

The program is chronological, beginning with Hasan Ferid Alnar's Piano Trio. Alnar was one of the "Turkish Five," and represents the first group of Turkish classical composers to achieve international recognition. The trio (originally composed in 1929) adapts Turkish elements to classical form.

Ferit Tuzun was of the generation after Alnar. His 1950 Piano Trio flirts with atonality and serialism. Still, it's solidly based on Turkish music traditions, which gives the work its character and its appeal.

Transformations (1975) by Ilhan Baran presents folk elements in abstraction. Baran deconstructions float in a cloud of sound, punctuated by bursts of rhythmic syncopation.

Orguzhan Balci is the youngest composer represented. His Piano Trio No. 1 was commissioned by the Bosphorus Trio. Each of the three movements is dedicated to a different member. And, as one might expect, the music plays to the considerable strengths of each instrumentalist.

The Bosphorus Trio makes their Naxos debut with this release. Their energy, passion, and deep understanding of this music makes the recording a standout.

Turkish Piano Trios
Hasan Firid Alnar; Ferit Tuzun; Oguzhan Balci; Ilhan Baran
Bosphorus Trio
Naxos 8.579071