AHMED ADNAN SAYGUN (1907-1991): Viola Concerto, Op. 59, Cello Concerto, Op. 74.

Description: These late concertos (from 1977 and 1987 respectively) are an excellent place to begin one's acquaintance with this Turkish composer. The extensive notes on the ancient Turkish religious and philosophical bases for the folk music which is part of the sinew of every note of Saygun's music are the finest of any which accompany his music on either cpo or Hungaroton. The discussion of how Turkish folk music and the 20th century tradition of Bartók and Shostakovich met and were amalgamated and used as an ongoing source for ever more unique and personal musical utterances is priceless for collectors. The concertos themselves are instantly approchable and one can hear the layers of folk influence and European art music of the 20th century throughout while rhythm, Saygun's most important ingredient, keeps things moving at all times. The soloists have great lyrical melodies of vocal quality, often in the melismatic style of "eastern" music and in the slow movement of the cello concerto, there is some of the most shimmeringly colorful exotically-tinged music since Szymanowski. Mirjam Tschopp (viola), Tim Hugh (cello), Bilkent Symphony Orchestra; Howard Griffiths.