Art of the Turkish Ud

An album of both traditional and newer works for the Turkish ud, the more or less prototypical lute. Beken is a master of the instrument, and displays his virtuosity as such here. The liner notes are quite extensive and include a good deal of the history of the instrument, as well as many of the composers whose works are related therein. The album deals with two major divisions of Turkish ud music -- the first being the great composers of past centuries (as far back as the 14th century), and the second dealing with the composers of note of the 20th century (Beken being among them). The works are all performed to perfection, and would be a treat for many fans of any form of ethnomusicological concerns. One minor note: The track listings included here are somewhat deceptive, as some are simply the names of forms of music -- the makams (modes) in which the compositions take place are certainly described in the liner notes, however.