Hüzün Nar: The Gorgon Cycles

About

The words “hüzün” and “nar” in the title – which mean “melancholy” and “fire” in Turkish and Arabic respectively – are a nod to Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk and his memoir of his beloved city, Istanbul, which I travelled to in 2011. The music was inspired by city-wide calls to prayer, Turkish TV shows, electronic dance music booming all night in the Old City, and later protests in Taksim Square. The score has room for improvisatory elements and moves rhythmically in cycles of 22. The fixed audio uses processed alto flute, prepared piano and electronic patches. Hüzün Nar is also the soundtrack for the animation film, The Gorgon Cycles (2023), and a score to is available to perform live with the animation.

To listen to an excerpt recording click here