Mulla Nasruddin: The Wise Fool, Volume 1 CD

The figure and reputation of Nasruddin are well known in Turkey and, indeed, many parts of Central Asia. Nasruddin has always been the universal uncle; sometimes a wise man, sometimes a fool. He is everyman in the sense that he finds himself in so many and varied situations, some of them of his own making, that show every strength and weakness of human character. He belongs to us all, rich. poor, urban or town dweller and reflects many facets of human reaction to the most complex or unusual situations. His stories all contain a lesson, however comical or seemingly stupidly he may seem to behave. His stories, for young and old, have a fascination and a humour that is kind, gentle and thoughtful. ---------Syed Omar Ali-Shah 2.VI.04---- The Music: 1. Yaylalar (Saz, Darbuka, voice) Chapter one tells us about Nasruddin s everyday life and his adventures at home, on the street, under way, in the tea-house, with friends as with strangers. The music accompanies him here with a song from Erzurum Yaylalar, which means plateau and tells us about the everyday life of a spoon merchant in a village on a remote plateau, who tries to impress the neighbour s girl with whom he fell in love with and how he induces her to a rendezvous. 2. Baga gel (Darbuka, Saz, Garmon, voice) In chapter two we meet Nasruddin at work, accompanied by an Anatolian song from Erzurum. A song, people sing working on the fields: Come to the vineyard, come to the fields! 3. Oyalida Yazma Basinda (Darbuka, Saz, Kanun, Bass, voice) A fine and filigree embroidery on her head is the popular Anatolian song from chapter three , in which we come to know Nasruddin s wife. The song coming from the region of Ankara fits to his wife who mostly is described as slender and delicate, and with an Anatolian headpiece. It tells us about nice embroideries on foulards, that are worn as headpieces on pecial occasions. 4. Cecen kizi (instrumental) Chechen Girl an instrumental in Makam Huseyni, one of the oldest Makams in the Turkish music. Known in Central Asia , Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Anatolia is this cheerful piece of dance music as one of the oldest of folklore music. 5. Yasam kavgasi (Saz solo) Heavily earned money has been composed by the young Saz player �zgür for chapter five in which Nasruddin is labouring with the money. �zgür sometimes makes the strings of his Saz sound like jingling coins, then like beady raindrops both being longed for blessing from above . 6. Bir topan ekmek (Saz solo) A slice of bread is the music of chapter six, called Nasruddin at dinner. The Saz player Haydar composed a piece of music that expresses in a musical way contentment and satiation after a good meal. 7. Hayvanlarin dansi (Saz Solo) The animal s dance is a kind of meditative music, that takes us through woods and over fields. During this encounter with nature �zgür even did not forget the merry picking of the hens and the leisurely trotting of the donkeys. 8. Sehnaz longa (instrumental) A classical Turkish instrumental music in Maqam Sehnaz that in spite of being very traditional, appears quite modern. 9. Segah pesrev ( instrumental ) Classical Turkish music in Makam Segah which is in similar form relatively known in Azerbaijan and Persia as well. Segah is the third tone in Turkish music. A beautiful piece of music, reflecting a calm and peaceful mood. 10. Tutam yar (instrumental) Let me hold you tight, my love - to conclude, a quite special classical Turkish piece of music, performed with 10 Baglama (long necked lutes), 2 Ud (short necked lutes), 4 Darbuka (drums), 1 Mey (shepherd s flute) and 1 Ney (reed pipe).Read More