Monthly Archives: February 2013

Mixed Media

Why isn’t The Janissary Tree a movie yet?

After all, the locale couldn’t be faulted, could it? Who wouldn’t want to see 19th century Istanbul brought to life, from the palace to the street?

Lewis_John_Frederick_Intercepted_Correspondence

Just imagine the costume! Imagine the décor!

Lewis_JF_Harem_Life_in_Constantinople

Ottoman civilisation may have been crumbling, politically, but it was in full flood in the creation of beautiful and unique aesthetic, and a particular way of life.

arnautm-smoking.jpg!Blog

It would be gorgeous, wouldn’t it? And new: I’m rather tired of ballrooms, and chignons, and gowns. I want to see this veiled Circassian on the move:

 veiled-circassian-lady.jpg!Blog

So let’s forget the movie for the time being, and focus on the music.

Here’s an interpretation by Greg Burrows, a New York-based percussionist. He sent to to me the other day, inspired by Yashim’s adventures in The Bellini Card.

http://snd.sc/Yo1gsR

And here, if you haven’t heard them yet, are The Bookshop Band’s takes on An Evil Eye, the latest Yashim story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POrjLY3IHsA