Levantine Rhapsody

Kanun, the new album by Didem Basar, is a beautiful blend of Turkish and Western classical music. The dialogue created between the kanun (Turkish zither) and Western classical instruments (flute, percussion, violin and cello) is enriched by Turkish makams (modes), rhythmic cycles and improvisation, in compositions that have a distinctly impressionist approach. After composing and playing with different artists and ensembles for the past 15 years, she creates here a project very much of her own. Born in Istanbul (Turkey) in 1974, Didem started her music education at I.T.U. Turkish Music State Conservatory in 1985. Having completed her kanun training, she continued at the same University's Composition Department. Her interest in examining the effects of music on society led her to study Sufi Music at Marmara University. She got her master's degree on the musical analysis of Sufi Music in 1999. Since then, she played in many concerts, on album recordings and radio & television programs both in Turkey and abroad.