Young Turks

Although not a youth orchestra, there are some similarities between the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra and the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. Both are from countries perhaps not previously noted for being in the forefront of classical music and both are intent on making a major international reputation for themselves ( with the Bolivars admittedly having a head start ) But what really brought the comparison to mind when listening to this first recording by the Borusan orchestra is the way in which they have decided to feature pieces with what might be termed a Turkish feel, in the same way as the Venezuelans have championed South American music. Though none of the composers are Turkish, there is that kind of Arabian, middle eastern orientalism apparent in much of the music here. They may not have included Sheherazade but Respighi's ballet Belkis, Queen of Sheba owes a fairly large debt to Rimsky, while also incorporating elements of typical Respighi bombast but all displayed with superb orchestral colouring which helps show off the ensemble under conductor Sascha Goetzel. Much of what I have said about Belkis could also be applied to Florent Schmitt's ballet music The Tragedy of Salome which concludes the disk and occupies the same sound world. Not quite so oriental but still a fine orchestral showcase, Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Carl Maria von Weber lies sandwiched between the two ballets. This is the second recording I have of this piece and the Borusan Istanbul Phil do not suffer in comparison with the LSO under Abbado.