Fazil Say: “Four Cities” Cello Sonata, Op. 41 (2012) — IV. Bodrum
Recorded in Williams Hall at New England Conservatory, February 2023
Leland Ko, cello
Adria Ye, piano
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“Fazıl Say’s ‘Four Cities’ Sonata (2012) can be considered as a journey through four cities of Anatolia. This work has taken its inspiration from Fazıl Say’s memories and events of his life. Bodrum is well known as a city greatly frequented by tourists which sets it apart from the other three locations. These four very different cities with their individual cultures have been selected from the nearly 2000-km wide expanse of Anatolia.
Bodrum: Bodrum is universally known as the Saint-Tropez of Turkey. A famous street in the city is fringed with countless bars and pubs from which a cacaphony of different music can be heard, ranging from jazz, pop and rock to folk songs. Fazıl Say blends the sounds from these pubs in this movement which includes a walking theme in a swinging jazz tempo. The movement makes a reference to the song “Yıldızların Altında” which was performed by the famous singer Zeki Muren who was also born in Bodrum. şık Veysel’s song “Uzun Ince Bir Yoldayım” which is well-known in numerous arrangements is also featured in this movement. It is brought to an abrupt and absurd conclusion in its depiction of a pub brawl as frequently experienced in this city.” (From the publisher Schott Music).
