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The inspiration to write a piece with sacred content comes from the grandeur of the recently finished Kocatepe mosque in the center of the capital Turkey and my hometown Ankara, which is a replica of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. This mosque is a synthesis of 20th century technology and the beauty of 17th century classical Ottoman architecture and the centuries old Western traditions. Kocatepe Mosque, with its huge courtyard and premises of 24,000 people rooming capacity, has been a great addition to the wide array of Ottoman sacred monuments. Ezan serves as a backbone for my piece, which is entitled Five Calls. The dictionary translation of Ezan is to call, to declare, to submit. The piece is an amalgam of five implied sacred calls, followed by sections that evoke a sense of reverence and spiritual connectedness, as well as an ambiance created by the rituals of divine exaltation. Five Calls comes from my concern with abstraction of Ezan rather than adherence to a strict form. Stylistically the piece is free composed, places the piano at the heart of transcendent grooves underscored by the sound of the viola. Nevertheless, there are distinct sections that serve to embody the character of the original Ezan. The ten thematically related movements-like sections are performed without a pause last approximately 23 minutes. The sections range in duration from about 3 to 7 minutes in which, I address my own musical roots while incorporating a fresh world beat sensibility. The metric notation of 5/4 has symbolic value for five sacred calls sung from four minarets. The movement features sound effects characteristic of the 20th century. As human beings, we appreciate that essentiality of all our experiences take place in the landscape in which enables and reflects all of life, both memorable and mundane. My mystical perception of Kocatepe's architectural beauty and symbolism was deeply moving and empowering, and as a result it proved effortlessly translatable into my music. Architecture and music are venerable art forms, which often employ the universal language of nobility, finesse, and elevated forms of aesthetic and essential beauty. Art in principle is accessible and comprehensible to all who take the time and have the desire to comprehend it. I could only be proud that Kocatepe Mosque in my hometown served as a highly inspiring and elevating subject which compelled me to take the deeply personal, expressive and reflective musical journey which I have the honor to share with you and hopefully many others in times to come.
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