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Hüsnü Å?enlendirici: Turkish Clarinetist Crosses Musicial Borders
Clarinetist Hüsnü Å?enlendirici is famous in his native Turkey for connecting different musical styles. Recently, he’s been exploring the connection between Turkish and Arabic music.
Hüsnü ?enlendirici and the Al Bustan Takht Ensemble at the Trinity Center for Urban Life in Philadelphia (Photo Credit: Bruce Wallace)
You’ve no doubt heard how Turkey is a crossroads of the world-goods and cultures. One thing that didn’t make it all the way across? The clarinet.
Hüsnü Å?enlendirici says, “The clarinet came to Turkey from the Balkans, but it didn’t quite make it to the Middle East. You hear it more in music from the Aegean part of Turkey.”
There, on Turkey’s western shore, is where Hüsnü Å?enlendirici found his instrument.
“It’s a major part of the music of that region,” he says. “That’s where I’m from, and it’s been a part of my life since childhood.”