About the music: Turkey is a country on the northeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a crossroad of cultures from across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus and South and Central Asia. The music of Turkey includes influences ranging from Central Asian, Arabic, Greek, Ottoman, Persian and Balkan music. In addition, modern Turkish music often features references to European and American popular music.
Turkish music consists of melodic modes called makam and rhythmic modes called usûl. The overall melodic shape, scale degrees and cadences are written according to the specific use of the makam. Formal structures in Turkish music are based on usûl. The specific usûl determines rhythm and melodic character. Turkish music is heterophonic, meaning simultaneous variations on a single melodic line. On an original Turkish score there is only a melody and the indication of an usûl, no harmony. Generally the score is open to interpretation. Master Turkish musicians add ornaments based on a deep understanding of the traditions. The richness and sophistication of Turkish music often comes from the type and number of ornaments added, which vary depending on the number of musicians performing and their subtle interactions at any given moment within a piece.
The Turkish arrangements on gc.com bridge the gap between Turkish traditions and a western musical perspective. This includes the use of polyphony and other musical devices based on the arranger’s taste.
About the composer: Mehveş Dolay Hanım was a music teacher born in the metropolis of İzmir. Hanım was only in her twenties when she composed this monumental piece. It was written in the makam Nihavend. The lyrics of the song tell a heartbreaking love story. Living through much of the 20th century, Hanım passed away in nursing home in 1976.
About the arranger: Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Kaya began his interest in classical guitar at the age of six with his father, Dr. Mehmet Refik Kaya. In addition to winning many major classical guitar competitions, earning Masters and Doctorate degrees from prestigious Universities, and touring as a concert soloist, Kaya is a prolific composer. He has written and published music for solo guitar, violin, piano, string trio and many other combinations of performers. Learn more at celilrefikkaya.com.