At Tapadum Music Store, where ancient sounds meet modern expression, we had the pleasure of recording a special live performance: "Kara Güneş", interpreted by two extraordinary musicians — Peppe Frana on oud and Özgür Yalçın on clay darbuka.

This intimate session was more than a duet; it was a dialogue between rhythm and melody, tradition and emotion. The performance was recorded in our Faenza-based store, a space dedicated to celebrating traditional instruments and the artists who bring them to life.

The Artists

Peppe Frana is widely respected for his deep knowledge of modal traditions and masterful oud playing. With a background spanning early music, Turkish classical, and improvisation, his touch blends subtlety and fire. The oud in his hands becomes a storyteller, weaving narratives that speak directly to the soul without need for words.

Özgür Yalçın, on the other hand, brings the clay darbuka to life with a remarkable sense of groove and sensitivity. Known for his dynamic yet nuanced playing, Özgür uses the earthy, resonant qualities of the ceramic body to create textures that both support and challenge the melodic lines. His rhythmic patterns don't merely accompany—they converse.

Together, their performance of Kara Güneş ("Black Sun") invokes a contemplative yet powerful atmosphere — one that feels rooted in ancient soil but free in its exploration. The piece unfolds like a meditation on light and shadow, where each musician responds to the other's musical breath.

The Instruments

The magic of this performance lies not only in the artistry of the musicians but also in the voices of their chosen instruments:

Oud: The oud used in this session is a Turkish-style model with a warm cedar top and deep, resonant bowl, perfect for capturing the expressive bends and microtonal richness of the makam system. Its strings sing with the accumulated wisdom of centuries, each note carrying the weight of tradition while remaining utterly present in the moment.

Clay Darbuka: Handmade and unglazed, this darbuka delivers an organic, grounded sound — softer and fuller than metal models — ideal for nuanced acoustic settings. The ceramic body breathes with the music, its earthy timbre providing a foundation that feels both ancient and alive.

Both instruments are available through our store, and we take great pride in offering only handcrafted, performance-ready models for professional musicians and enthusiasts alike. Each piece in our collection is selected for its voice, its craftsmanship, and its ability to inspire.

A Tapadum Experience

As part of our ongoing efforts to support musical creativity, Tapadum Music Store is more than just a retail space — it's a cultural hub. We host recordings, workshops, and collaborations that highlight the diversity and richness of world music traditions. Our Faenza location has become a gathering point for musicians who understand that instruments are not mere objects, but vessels for human expression.

The recording of Kara Güneş represents everything we stand for: the meeting of tradition and innovation, the celebration of craftsmanship, and the belief that music has the power to bridge cultures and touch hearts. In our store, surrounded by instruments from around the world, these two masters created something that transcends geographic boundaries.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and immerse yourself in a musical journey that transcends words. Whether you're a musician seeking your next instrument, a listener hungry for authentic expression, or a curious traveler of sound, performances like Kara Güneş remind us why these instruments and traditions matter.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital sounds, there's something profoundly moving about the organic dialogue between wood, clay, skin, and string. This is music in its purest form — human hands creating beauty from ancient materials, carrying forward traditions while making them entirely their own.

Visit Tapadum Music Store in Faenza, explore our collection online, or subscribe to our YouTube channel to experience more sessions like this one. Music awaits.