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,
Teaching considerations:
Guitars 1a, 2a, and 3 are necessary for a performance of this march. The optional part for guitar 1b offers material for upper level players. If you include 1b, it is strongly recommended that you also include 2b, which fills out the harmonies in the upper register. Guitar 2b is only needed if your performance includes part 1b.
Guitar 3 must tune the 6th string to D. Review the part with guitar 3 players, emphasizing the adjustments necessary for using the scordatura.
As always, pay careful attention to dynamics, togetherness and tone. Remind students that these details are the backbone of a great performance.
About the composer:
This music comes from a collection of Swedish folk songs by Felix Körling and poet Ali Ulvi Elöve. A signifier of Western influences and reforms following the Turkish revolution, the piece was dedicated to the youth of Turkey. With the addition of Turkish lyrics, this march was accepted in 1938 as the official march of Turkey’s Youth and Sports Day.
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.