Search - Burhan Ocal :: Sultan's Secret Door

One of Burhan's best!

Kay A. Douglas | Maryland | 04/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I became so enamored of the music of Burhan Ocal and other Turkish musicians that I felt compelled to take a trip to Istanbul this spring. Of all of the albums that led to this musical odyssey, this was the one most responsible. "The Sultan's Secret Door" is compulsively listenable and absorbing, each track an imaginary set piece taking place at the Sultan's court. The infectious rhythms and rich melodic tapestry capture the spirit of a time (the reign of Suleyman I) and place (Topkapi Sarayi) perfectly. You're on a magic carpet, and Burhan Ocal is the geni that makes it fly. An experience not to be missed."

Captures Arabian/Ottoman beauty, dreamily.

Ulven | australia | 10/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arabian flavour signifies Turkish music and culture.But, European influence gives it a difference from other middle-eastern cultures and musics.It isn't as rigid in its rhythm as Bellydance music, and nor is it as contemplative as Sufi music.

Long stretches of improvisation and mood (always Turkish scales, not jazz), where instruments (percussion,clarinet,oud,violin etc...) enjoyably drift in and out of each other, inevitably find their way into distinctive rhythmic melodylines.You can hear each instrument's texture so clearly, thanks to great production and highest quality instruments -which are played amazingly well.This music is hypnotic because it just 'flows'.There's no sense of effort, despite it being virtuosic.It perfectly fits the Arabian fantasy-world imagery from films and stories, aswell as being authentic folk music.

For a Turkish cd that is back to back melodylines, "Gypsy Rum" and "Caravanserai" would be better choices.But for a cd that shares the catchy parts between long sequences of Turkish mood, this one is perfect.

I'm glad Burhan Ocal didn't keep this secret as well as the Sultan had intended to."

Very nice

Jeremy W. Bright | St. Louis, MO USA | 09/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a must have if you're a fan of Ottoman Turkish music. Read the short stories that explain each song while listening and you'll appreciate the music even more. In my opinion, it's like being in the Sultan's palace itself. This is a wonderful addition to your Ottoman Turkish music collection."