Concerto Anatolia score
Because the music of Turkey is so rich and varied, Western composers throughout history - including Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and even Dave Brubeck - have paid homage to it in their own music. Concerto Anatolia follows in this tradition. Being written at the request of my friend Cem Duruöz, (a native Turk guitarist who was actively involved in developing the piece), it is also intended to be a work which opens doors of artistic communication. Leading up to the composition I spent a good deal of time studying Turkish music and have become a devotee of its power, invention, and excellence.
Concerto Anatolia has four movements rather than the more traditional three. The first, KÖÇEKÇE (allegro) is based on a fiery theme in 7/8 time. TAKSIM (adagio - andante - vivace) begins outside of a specific meter and subsequently moves through various meter and tempo changes. This second movement is in the style of an improvisation, where the soloist shows off his/her musicianship by utilizing different maqamat (scales), as well as the mastery of the instrument. The third movement is called BASHRAF (moderato) and has three sections, each featuring the guitar followed by a short orchestral refrain. The name comes from the Persian word peshrev which means "that which precedes." Therefore this form is often played as an opening composition in a larger multi-movement piece, although here it precedes the final movement, BIZIM ELLER (andante - allegro - moderato - allegro) a medley of four different Turkish melodies. The end of the concerto features a virtuosic cadenza.
Orchestration
3 flutes/piccolo 2 oboes 2 clarinets 2 bassoons
2 horns 2 trumpets 2 percussionists
doumbek, cymbals, tambourine, finger cymbals
strings 12, 10, 8, 6, 4
Parts available upon request.