Description
Faz?l Say’s “Four Cities” Sonata can be viewed as an exploration of four distinct cities in Anatolia, drawing from the composer’s personal memories and life experiences. Among these, Bodrum stands out as a popular tourist destination, contrasting with the other three cities. Each city, selected from the vast 2000-kilometer stretch of Anatolia, showcases its unique cultural identity. Sivas, a conservative city in Eastern Anatolia with a significant Alevi population, inspires the first movement, which reflects the influence of Alevi poet Aşık Veysel’s song “Sazım,” concluding with a somber homage to the ethnic instrument. The second movement is inspired by a traditional wedding, capturing the essence of Eastern Black Sea culture through the lively Horon dance and incorporating elements from Caucasian, Georgian, and Laz musical traditions. Ankara, designated as Turkey's capital by Atatürk in 1923, serves as the backdrop for the third movement, which evokes a sense of nostalgia and tragedy, referencing the rebellious song “Ankara’nın Taşına Bak” from World War I. Finally, Bodrum reemerges in the last movement, characterized by its vibrant nightlife, where the sounds of various music genres blend together, creating a lively jazz-infused atmosphere that nods to the song “Yıldızların Altında.”
