Cantemir, The Composer Prince

A multifaceted individual, Cantemir was a prince, scholar, composer, and diplomat, left an indelible mark transcending geographical and temporal boundaries. Through meticulous transcription and compilation, Cantemir’s collection of over 350 instrumental pieces remains unparalleled, serving as a vital resource for understanding Middle Eastern musical traditions of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Under the artistic direction of Kiya Tabassian, Constantinople approaches Cantemir’s treasure trove with erudite precision and creative flair. By interpreting Cantemir’s compositions alongside works by his contemporaries like the French Marin Marais and the Italian Antonio Bertali, the musicians infuse new vitality into these centuries-old pieces, rendering them vivid and tangible for modern audiences.