Sultans of the Opera

Album Description

Sultans of the Opera explores the fascinating cultural exchange between the Ottoman Empire and European courts through the lens of Baroque and Classical opera. From the diplomatic intrigues of Versailles to the opulent "Turkish Festivals" of August the Strong in Dresden, European fascination with the Orient inspired composers like Mozart, Hasse, and Lully to create works featuring sultans, seraglios, and the exotic sounds of Janissary bands. This recording brings together highlights from these alla turca operas—works that oscillated between depicting power-hungry rulers and the sultry atmosphere of the harem—reimagined through the congenial combination of Western Baroque music and classical Turkish art music. Moving beyond mere exoticism, the program reveals the world of the seraglio as it truly was, using music as a universal language to bridge centuries and cultures.