Strolling along the Kyrenia Waterfront with Fazıl Say

Worldwide-known pianist and composer from Turkey, Fazıl Say gave two concerts at Bellapais Abbey in the scope of the 4th International North Cyprus Music Festival. We had a nice talk with Say, who premiered his new opus “Patara” for Cypriot audiences in the last October...

Along with the Cypriot audience, we had the chance to listen to your new opus “Patara” for the first time at Bellapais. Can you please give some information concerning this composition?
“Patara” is a piece of music I composed upon the request of Vienna Municipality on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. This year Vienna was stage to gorgeous events in the scope of the Mozart Year. The 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth was celebrated with great enthusiasm not only in Vienna, but worldwide. About one year ago, the Vienna Municipality asked me to compose a piece in memory of Mozart. I composed this piece in Patara, hence the name. As you may know, Patara was the capital of ancient Lycia, and it embraces an extraordinary beach, which is the main attraction for tourists today. But for me, it is a mystic place. However, I must add, although the work was performed in a concert by the Patara Quartet, “Patara” is actually a ballet.

We could not watch the ballet performance in Cyprus and we developed a curiosity accordingly. I guess it is something like modern dance?
Well, actually you must see it. Because, it is indescribable (he laughs). But, now that you are curious, I can at least say that it is modern ballet.

DANCE OF WEST AND EAST
“Patara” is mystic and lyric, reflecting the intercourse of East and West…
Each instrument in this composition represents something. For instance, piano represents West, nei (reed flute) represent East, while soprano represents love. Actually “Patara” recounts the course of an entire day at Patara. For instance, with the entrance of kudüm (a small double drum) starts the night. The colours of the night and heavenly bodies reveal themselves in the deep dark night, adorning the skies of Patara… All of these are represented by the kudüm.

All instruments meet in harmony in the course of the music, but sometimes they quarrel. Can we say that this quarrelling stands for the ups and downs in the history of the dialogue between the East and the West?
Actually, what happens in the opus is a struggle to understand each other. For instance, sometimes you hear nei trying to play Mozart’s themes. It remains a question to which extent it can achieve this. How much is this instrument Eastern or how much can it adopt Western? The point is it keeps trying and it is willing to achieve. Above all, the theme of this composition is peace. Conflicts may exist between the East and the West. They even exist between two Eastern people or two Western people. This composition suggests mutual understanding, love, and dialogue as the most important values. For all of these exist in a relationship; both understanding and misunderstanding.

East and West civilisations have always been in a certain relationship. The most popular discussion of recent days is the possibility to create a synthesis of these two cultures, and if possible, what kind of synthesis it would be. In the light of this, do you suggest a synthesis via your opus?
I do not have a suggestion. I have an opus, a “complete” opus. Besides, I do not like the word “synthesis” at all.

Recently, ‘clash of civilisations’ is a common discussion. Do you have a comment on this?
Unfortunately, the quality of the relationship between these two civilisations is distressing.

THE CHARMING ABBEY OF BELLAPAIS
The year 2006 was the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. You are considered one the best interpreters of Mozart worldwide. What is the importance of Mozart in the history of music as far as you are concerned?
Mozart is undoubtedly the biggest genius in the history of both mankind and musicians. He created an eternal music. He will exist in 3006 and even in 13006 in the same way as he exists today in the 2006. Mozart is a milestone of mankind. Besides, Mozart should not be considered as Western only; he also appreciated Eastern culture. Take his compositions entitled “Turkish March” or “The Abduction from the Seraglio”.  Moreover, Mozart had a humanist side. Therefore, he represents universality and eternity rather than one nation, era or civilisation. This is a very important thing.

Your concert in Cyprus took place in Bellapais Abbey. You have been there before…
Sure, I have performed there many times.

Bellapais Abbey has both historical and architectural importance. What does performing in such an atmosphere feel like? For, there must be connection between the place and the piece you perform…
I have performed five or six times at Bellapais Abbey so far. It has an admirable beauty from exterior and interior alike… It is peerless for both the audience and the performer with its perfect acoustic properties and charming atmosphere bearing the thick air of history. The hall offers a live and wide acoustic. Bellapais Abbey may be stage to many appealing organisations as long as these kinds of events are encouraged. There stands a hundreds-year old historical place… It will certainly welcome everyone with its charming air encompassed within those huge walls. Performing in such an environment is an incomparable feeling. Even in Europe, there is not a similar hall spared for concerts. Places like antique theatres of Aspendos, Ephesus and Bellapais Abbey are very significant from this aspect.

You give concerts all around the world. You perform in modern or historical halls. What is your favourite place?
There are many modern concert halls worldwide, besides there are halls built in 1800s. Undoubtedly, performing in such places is charming. For instance, I performed once in the concert hall in Vienna, where Beethoven had performed, and Brahms. Stepping on the same floor with such great composers is an indescribable feeling. But, above all Aspendos antique theatre is a unique place. Although there are not many modern halls in Turkey, our cultural heritage is peerless. I hope modern halls be built as well; but, unfortunately as culture matters are considered luxury, it will take some time.

I LOVE KYRENIA WATERFRONT
You gave a lot of concerts in North Cyprus. What are your impressions about the Cypriot audiences? 
I found it quite interesting that when I first came to Cyprus, there were mostly Turks in the audience. However, as the gates opened and free movement was enabled between the two parts, I observed that the audience started to embrace both societies. Besides, I saw that the British and German society living in Cyprus developed an interest in my concerts. But I must say that the Cypriot Turkish are very much interested in my concerts. I am flattered by this.

As you have come several times to Cyprus, are there certain things you enjoy doing during your visits?
I really love Kyrenia. I take a special pleasure in strolling along the Kyrenia waterfront. I hardly know Nicosia. I think I have been there only for a few hours. Bellapais Abbey is already a habitude. I really appreciate the food there. This time, I went to some casinos (he laughs). Moreover, I even earned some money from roulette. I had played in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas before. But it was 10 years ago. Do not think that I am a gambler (he laughs)

May you spend it for merry reasons…
But remember the saying, the one who gains in gamble, loses in love (he laughs).

Apart from that what do you like doing most in Cyprus?
I held some classes with conservatory students on my first and second visits. It was really pleasing for me. I would like to do that again. I gave a concert in Eastern Mediterranean University. I remember, on my second visit to Cyprus, they brought primary and secondary school students to Bellapais, where I gave them a concert. It was really enjoyable.

We know that you give importance to young talents. There are some young Cypriot musicians, who are expected to become internationally celebrated. Do you know any young talents in Cyprus?
Rüya Taner is a very intimate friend of mine. I remember, Can Simer, who is a composer. He is a friend of mine from the conservatory. But, if you ask young talents, I will give you the name Eser Öktem, who is a student of my late master Kamuran Gündemir. He is 16 years old now, and he is very talented indeed. I can say he is a promising talent to become a worldwide-known Cypriot musician.

With Aslı Özgen

Translation by: Aslı Özgen

(Caretta /2007)

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