Record Reviews

CONSTANTINOPLE / HOLLAND BAROQUE ~ DIALOGOS: FRANCIS OF ASSISI MEETS MALIK AL-KAMIL PENTATONE 8717306264938 (Barcode: 8717306264938) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ World Music & Folklore Recorded: 2025 Released: 2026 This is an album presenting a collaboration between two ensembles: Canadian ConstantinopleFind albums by this artist, which blends Early Music and Middle-Eastern / Persian traditions and Dutch Holland BaroqueFind albums by this artist Orchestra, which specializes in blending Baroque Classical Music with other genres, including Jazz and World Music, which is led by sisters Judith SteenbrinkFind albums by this artist and Tineke SteenbrinkFind albums by this artist. This cross-cultural dialogue is symbolically based upon the legendary encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil in 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, which sets an example for cross-cultural and even cross-religious dialogue. The music includes new compositions by Constantinople members Didem BasarFind albums by this artist and Kiya TabassianFind albums by this artist and the Steenbrink sisters, as well as some 17th Century Ottoman music. The traditional Persian instruments (setar / kanun) blend perfectly with the European strings, and the resulting music is absolutely heavenly, especially for listeners familiar with the oriental harmonies, which might sound somewhat strange at first to people used to Western musical traditions. But of course with some open-mindedness and curiosity, everything falls into place after a while and the power of music prevails. Although meeting between musical cultures are quite popular and often very successful in other genres, especially in Jazz and World Music, those are quite rare within the Classical Music milieu, which makes this album especially important, innovative and powerful. The music might take a while to get used to, but the effort is certainly richly rewarded. The album offers a superb sound quality, which of course adds to the aesthetic perfection of the entire enterprise. Overall, this is not only a beautiful album full of uplifting music, but also a highly educational musical experience of building bridges between Cultures, as well as an example of mutual respect and cooperation, leading to a better world.

Updated: 01/02/2026Posted: 01/02/2026

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