Kairos Collective | Pîrî Reis
Named after the legendary Ottoman admiral and cartographer Pîrî Reis (1465?–1553), Michiel van der Meulen‘s debut album is the result of a journey of music exploration. It draws particularly from the makam of İstanbul, a pinnacle of the World’s modal traditions.
Straight to the liner notes ⇲
(info, music and downloads below)
Album information
Tracks / total playing time 39:09
- Şehnaz yürük semâî
- Kürdî saz semâî / Zaman yolcusu
- Anamnisi
- Dügah saz semâî
- Nev-Eser peşrev / Muhabbet
- Nihâvend saz semâî / To Laiko
Musicians
Harris Lambrakis – ney
Giorgos Papaioannou – violin
Tracks
All tracks were composed by Michiel van der Meulen. Pîrî Reis was recorded, mixed and mastered by Vangelis Apostolou at Studio Vasmaris (Heraklion, Crete, Greece) on November 13–16, 2016.
Album
Production, artwork and liner notes – Michiel van der Meulen
Acknowledgements
I thank the musicians for playing the pieces so beautifully: out of their hands, the music magically appeared as it sounds in my head. Thanks are also due to my teacher Ross Daly. His modal composition seminars are among my most intense learning experiences, while being mystifyingly relaxed at the same time. The suggestion to record the music in Crete, with Greek musicians, was made by Kelly Thoma, to whom I am very grateful too. This music, including the people associated with it, has enriched my life. I hope that you enjoy my interpretation and understanding of it.
TouMilou #1 / EAN 8714835119579
© 2017 M.J. van der Meulen/TouMilou
Reviews and mentions
- Antione Bourgeau, Cahiers d’ethnomusicologie 36, 183–201 (2023; in French), discusses the album Pîrî Reis and the composition ‘Kairos’ (Európe) in an ethnomusicological analyis of contemporary modal music in terms of its origins, identity and mechanism of creativity, entitled ‘La circulation au cœur de la Contemporary Modal Music’.
- Jo Delaheye, Folkmagazine (March 16, 2018; in Dutch): “Lovers of relaxed oriental music will certainly enjoy this.”
- Crispijn Oomes, MixedWorldMusic.com (August 4, 2017): “Michiel van der Meulen delivered his examination workpiece, and far as I’m concerned he passed cum laude.”
- Marius Roeting, New Folk Sounds (July 14, 2017; in Dutch): “…leaving room for interpretation and even variation, resulting in a journey with a—possibly—known destination, but with sufficient surprises, marvel and discoveries.”
- Dani Heyvaert, Rootstime.be (May 1, 2017; in Dutch): “The message is simple: sit down, play the CD and experience the unbelievable power and beauty of its six long pieces.”
- Holly Moors, Moors Magazine (March 8, 2017; in Dutch): “A special project that makes your jaw drop. Bravo!”
- Jan Willem Broek, De Subjectivisten (February, 3 2017; in Dutch): “You’ll hear a cross-fertilisation of Turkish, Greek, Iraki and other oriental music, majestically and beautifully combined.”
Get the album
- Digital album on Bandcamp: € 6.00
- CD on Bandcamp: € 6.00
- The physical album can also be purchased online from the distributor Xango Music and resellers such as bol.com and amazon.com
Bandcamp is an online platform that allows you to buy music directly from the people who make it. Unlike other channels, most revenue goes to the makers. Independent artists need independent listeners!
Downloads / Terms of use in the footer
Album art / 1000 x 1000 px jpg
Scores / pdf