From the Caribbean to Covent Garden: In Pursuit of "Rusalka"

Dr Emre Aracı reads an English translation of his article, published originally in Turkish, in the April 2023 issue of Andante magazine (no: 198), where he explores the opera Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák, intertwining personal experiences, critical reception, and the composer's biography to illuminate the work’s enduring power. Dr Aracı's article weaves a compelling narrative that goes beyond a simple review of an opera. It explores the personal, emotional, and historical layers of Rusalka, highlighting the opera's connection to Dvořák’s life and creative environment. He demonstrates the transformative power of music and the importance of personal connection to artistic works. Dr Aracı's journey is framed by his personal experiences and his quest to understand Rusalka on a deeper level. His experience at Bathsheba Bay in Barbados, gazing at the moonlit ocean, triggers a connection to the opera despite the incongruity of the setting (a freshwater nymph contrasted with the vast ocean). This highlights the idea that artistic experiences are deeply personal and shaped by our individual contexts. He asks, "Do we, I wonder, shape our lives through our thoughts, or does life, in its inscrutable course, plant these thoughts within us like premonitions of what is to come?". The article ultimately serves as an invitation to journey to the heart of the creative process, in search of the lasting legacy of art.

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Musical Landscapes in "A Room with a View"

Dr Emre Aracı reads an English translation of his article, published originally in Turkish, in the March 2023 issue of Andante magazine (no: 197), where he provides a compelling and nuanced interpretation of E. M. Forster's "A Room with a View" by exploring its musical underpinnings, emphasizing the power of travel and the interpenetration of art, life and memory. By drawing upon both Forster’s life and works, along with his own experiences, Dr Aracı highlights the enduring relevance of the novel's themes and its exploration of human emotion and personal growth. Music is not merely an accessory but a central metaphor in the novel. Forster, a passionate music lover, draws inspiration from the emotional depth and structure of Beethoven's works. In particular, Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 32 is seen as a reflection of Lucy Honeychurch's inner journey of self-discovery and liberation from societal expectations.

Forster's own life, as an amateur pianist and close friend of musicians, further reinforces the importance of music to his creative process. The "room with a view" itself becomes symbolic of a broader desire for more than the mundane. The Miss Alans, for instance, long for a pension in Constantinople, "Pensione Keats", with "magic windows opening on the foam of perilous seas in fairyland forlorn!". Their desire highlights the theme of longing and transcendence prevalent in the piece. The article ultimately positions "A Room with a View" not merely as a literary work, but as a carefully crafted composition where the heart in all its vulnerability is both the source of greatest pain and ultimate triumph.

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Liszt, Chopin and Istanbul: A Musical Legacy

The podcast discusses Dr Emre Aracı's article, published originally in Turkish, in the November 2024 issue of Andante magazine (no: 217), the intersection of several historical events surrounding Frédéric Chopin. It details Liszt's 1847 Istanbul performance of Chopin's mazurkas, highlighting the unusual context and reception. The article further explores Chopin's personal life during this period, drawing on his letters to illustrate his deteriorating health and strained relationship with George Sand. The author connects this historical account to his personal memories, linking the translation of a new Turkish edition of Chopin's letters by Dr Arın Bayraktaroğlu, to previous encounters with individuals involved in Chopin scholarship. Finally, the piece reflects on the enduring legacy of Chopin, framing him not just as a musician but as a deeply sensitive soul.

The article presents a layered narrative, connecting Liszt's performance in Istanbul, Chopin's personal struggles, and the enduring power of his music through the lens of personal reflection and historical research. It highlights the power of music to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries while also emphasizing the complex emotional landscape of Chopin's life and legacy. It further demonstrates how scholarship, biography, and even the act of translation can create a web of connection between artists, audiences, and history.

This podcast has been created using Google's NotebookLM.

For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com

The podcast discusses Dr Emre Aracı's article, published originally in Turkish, in the June 2024 issue of Andante magazine (no: 212), where he recounts his lifelong fascination with Mozart, inspired by Nadir Nadi's book Dostum Mozart (My Friend Mozart). Aracı details how Nadi's memoir, gifted to him by his chemistry teacher at school, sparked his passion and shaped his career path. The essay interweaves Aracı's personal experiences with historical accounts, tracing Mozart's life and influence through various locations, including Vienna and Canterbury. Aracı highlights the serendipitous connections he discovered, drawing parallels between his own journey and Nadi's profound relationship with Mozart's music. Ultimately, the piece explores the enduring power of music and friendship, and the unexpected ways in which history and personal experience intertwine.

The text presents a journey – both literally and figuratively – of uncovering connections to Mozart. Dr Aracı describes visiting places where Mozart had been, such as the Cuvilliés Theatre in Munich, where Idomeneo premiered or Bourne Park in Bishopsbourne, near Canterbury, where the young Mozart stayed. These encounters highlight the idea of pursuing knowledge and understanding through travel and historical investigation, as well as serendipitous personal discovery. The question posed by the text - "was I, unknowingly, following in Mozart’s footsteps? Or was it he who had been following me all along, with his ever-glowing warmth and music?" - suggests both a personal and universal experience of connection through time. Just as Nadi's book showed how Mozart became a lifelong companion for him, the act of receiving a book like this was a way for Dr Aracı to have his path “enduring” and his purpose “true”. The enduring nature of Mozart's music, and the way it connects people across generations, serves as a metaphor for the value of real and lifelong connections.

This podcast has been created using Google's NotebookLM.

For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com

The podcast discusses Dr Emre Aracı's article, published originally in Turkish, in the October 2024 issue of Andante magazine (no: 216), where he explores the performance of Rossini's Marche pour le Sultan at Queen Victoria's 1854 birthday celebration at Osborne House. The piece's presence highlights the political alliance between Britain and the Ottoman Empire during the Crimean War. Aracı's research traces the march's journey from its composition for Sultan Abdülmecid to its publication in London and performance by renowned pianist Arabella Goddard. The article connects this musical event to broader historical and cultural contexts, including the architecture of Osborne House and the works of other artists and composers of the era. Ultimately, the article uses this specific piece of music as a starting point to examine broader themes of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and the passage of time. The article traces the path of the march, from its composition for Sultan Abdülmecid by Rossini in Florence, to its arrival in Istanbul, then its publication by Cramer, Beale & Co. in London with an elaborate portrait of the Sultan on the sheet music cover. The sheet music was sold at 201 Regent Street, a detail which connects the piece to the everyday life of London.

Dr. Aracı's article beautifully illustrates how a single piece of music can unlock a rich tapestry of historical, political, and cultural connections. The story of Rossini's march becomes a microcosm of mid-19th-century Europe, where diplomacy, cultural exchange, and personal stories intertwined, revealing the unexpected and lasting impact of the Crimean War on even the most intimate of royal celebrations. The piece emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and the enduring power of music to tell untold stories. The author suggests that, much like the fading echoes of the music itself, the past remains both present and ever-changing.

This podcast has been created using Google's NotebookLM.

For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com

The podcast discusses an article, originally in Turkish, published in Andante magazine in May 2024 (issue: 211) by Dr Emre Aracı, who recounts a visit to Schwetzingen Palace gardens, inspired by the memoirs of Şaziye Berin, an Ottoman woman who visited in 1918. Aracı explores the gardens' rich history, noting their significance as a summer residence for the Palatine Electors and a centre for the Mannheim Orchestra under Johann Stamitz. The article highlights visits by notable figures such as Charles Burney and the Mozart family, emphasising the palace's role in 18th-century musical history. Aracı's visit includes the unexpected discovery of a garden mosque, built as a symbol of tolerance, connecting the past to the present through themes of hope and intercultural exchange. The piece weaves together personal reflection, historical research, and musical context to create a vivid portrayal of Schwetzingen Palace.

Dr Aracı's article paints a vivid picture of Schwetzingen Palace as more than just a historic site. It is a place where the past resonates in the present, a testament to the power of art, music, and enlightened ideals. The piece intertwines personal narrative with historical analysis, inviting the reader to reflect on the importance of cultural exchange, tolerance, and the enduring human search for beauty and knowledge. The author concludes with the quote "Without hope, no great work may be accomplished." This serves as the overall moral message of the piece, tying in to the enlightenment ideals of the palace, and also serving as his personal motivation for exploration.

This podcast has been created using Google's NotebookLM.

Key Facts:

• Location: Schwetzingen Palace is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about 10 kilometres southwest of Heidelberg.
• History: The palace began in the 14th century and was significantly developed in its present form under Prince Johann Wilhelm II in 1697.
• The Mannheim Orchestra: A pioneering orchestra that revolutionised symphonic music in the 18th century, it spent its summers at Schwetzingen under the patronage of Karl Theodor.
• Garden Mosque: A unique 18th-century garden mosque, built in the Turquerie style, symbolising tolerance and Enlightenment ideals. It was constructed between 1779 and 1795.
• Key Visitors: Notable visitors included Charles Burney (1772) and the Mozart family (1763 and 1790).
• Mozart Connection: The palace hosted the Mozarts in 1763, and in 1790 Mozart returned to the gardens. Karl Theodor commissioned the opera Idomeneo from Mozart.

For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com

This podcast discusses Dr Emre Aracı's article published originally in Turkish in the January 2025 issue of Andante magazine (no: 219), where he details his discovery and subsequent presentation of a previously unknown manuscript, Giuseppe Donizetti's Musical Memoirs. The manuscript, in the collection of Mr Erol Makzume, includes over one hundred compositions by the composer Giuseppe Donizetti (elder brother of Gaetano Donizetti) and chronicles his life in 19th-century Istanbul. Donizetti served as Instructor General to the Imperial Ottoman Military Bands from 1828 until his death in 1856. The compositions in the collection blend European and Ottoman musical styles, reflecting the city's diverse cultural landscape during the Tanzimat era. Aracı's account narrates the serendipitous journey of acquiring the manuscript, culminating in a performance of its music. The article highlights the manuscript's historical and musical significance, showcasing a previously hidden chapter in Istanbul's musical heritage. The discovery of Giuseppe Donizetti's Musical Memoirs is a significant event for musicologists and historians alike. It provides an exceptional window into the cultural and musical landscape of 19th-century Istanbul and offers a deeper appreciation for Giuseppe Donizetti's unique contribution. The manuscript provides evidence of his role in Ottoman society. Dr Aracı’s article makes a strong case for the importance of this find.

This podcast has been created using Google's NotebookLM.

For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com

This podcast discusses Dr Emre Aracı's In Search of Lost Sounds symphony, a five-movement work inspired by his personal memories and literary influences, notably Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time. The symphony's composition spanned many years, mirroring Proust's novel in its exploration of memory and the past. Each movement is linked to a specific place or memory, ranging from Dr Aracı's childhood in Istanbul to visits to significant historical locations such as Castle Howard and Neuschwanstein Castle. The work uses musical expression to capture feelings and sensations beyond words, weaving together personal experiences with literary and artistic references. It is a deeply personal and layered work of art, a journey through time, memory and the power of art. It draws heavily on Dr Aracı's own life experiences, literary influences and his fascination with history. The result is a piece of music that is both a personal exploration and a universal reflection on the human condition, and the enduring power of art and memory. It captures a sense of nostalgia for a world that is fading and the hope of preserving some of its beauty in art. Recorded in Prague in 2016, and available on most streaming platforms, the symphony ultimately embodies a search for lost sounds and a personal connection to the past.

This podcast has been created using Google's NotebookLM.

Key Themes and Ideas:

• The Power of Memory and Place: The symphony's origins are deeply rooted in Dr Aracı's personal experiences. The seaside town of Folkestone, with its faded Edwardian grandeur, serves as a major catalyst. The Leas promenade, with its echoes of Victorian promenades and Viennese bands, triggers a flood of memories:
• "The Leas naturally became a favourite spot for me, where I would take long walks... It was on one of those occasions when a long lyrical theme... came to my mind".
• The connection of Folkestone to his childhood in Suadiye, Istanbul: "With its pine trees, magnificent winter sunsets, Folkestone reminded me then, as it does today, of the Suadiye of my childhood...".
• Literary Inspiration: Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time: The symphony's title and thematic structure are a direct homage to Proust's masterpiece.
• A Multilayered Symphony: Each movement of the symphony is inspired by different sources.
• Movement I ("Misterioso nobilmente e maestoso - Allegro moderato") Focuses on the search for a childhood dream castle, evoking feelings and memories through sound. It is described as a start of a journey. Aracı quotes John Betjeman's line: "Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows" to emphasis the importance of early sensations.
• Movement II ("Adagio") Is linked to Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited and his visit to Castle Howard.
• Movement III ("Allegro giocoso - Largo doloroso") Is inspired by walks to Saltwood Castle, childhood memories and a quote from Hans Christian Anderson, as well as the quote from Tchaikovsky about memories. Also reference to Edith Nesbit's The Enchanted Castle.
• Movement IV ("Adagietto") is linked to a train journey in foggy weather, memories of a photograph depicting the gates of Dyrham Park in fog, and Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther.
• Movement V ("Allegro con brio") is inspired by visits to the fairy tale castles of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the music of Richard Wagner. Aracı attends a performance of Lohengrin at Neuschwanstein Castle. He also comes back to the influence of Proust.

For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com