Podcast
EMRE ARACI PODCASTS
Hosted by EMRE ARACI · EN
Dr Emre Aracı is a composer, conductor and musicologist, whose work elegantly intertwines music, history and diplomacy. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh’s Faculty of Music, where he read for both his BMus (Hons) and PhD, he has pursued a singularly erudite career, illuminating the European musical traditions of the Ottoman court. Through concerts, illustrated lectures, books, articles, CD recordings and documentaries, Dr Aracı resurrects the forgotten soundscapes of the nineteenth century with scholarly finesse. His abiding passions—for art, literature, historic architecture and the narratives of the past—imbue his work.
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Episodes
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In Pursuit of Dvorak's "Rusalka"
Feb 4, 202500:14:54Tap to summarizeFrom 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.For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com
Transcribe →Musical Landscapes in "A Room with a View"
Feb 2, 202500:15:27Tap to summarizeMusical 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.For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com
Transcribe →Liszt, Chopin and Istanbul: A Musical Legacy
Feb 2, 202500:14:36Tap to summarizeLiszt, Chopin and Istanbul: A Musical LegacyThe 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
Transcribe →A Lifelong Friendship with Mozart
Jan 31, 202500:15:37Tap to summarizeA Lifelong Friendship with Mozart 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
Transcribe →Rossini's March for the Sultan at Queen Victoria's Birthday
Jan 31, 202500:12:25Tap to summarizeRossini's March for the Sultan at Queen Victoria's BirthdayThe 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
Transcribe →A Stroll Through Schwetzingen Palace Gardens
Jan 31, 202500:11:22Tap to summarizeA Stroll Through Schwetzingen Palace GardensThe 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
Transcribe →Giuseppe Donizetti's Musical Memoirs
Jan 29, 202500:12:15Tap to summarizeGiuseppe Donizetti's Musical MemoirsThis 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
Transcribe →In Search of Lost Sounds Symphony
Jan 29, 202500:14:21Tap to summarizeAn analysis of Emre Araci's In Search of Lost Sounds symphonyThis 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
Transcribe →Debussy's La Mer
Jan 29, 202500:12:23Tap to summarizeDebussy's La Mer: Memory, Music and a Beloved PlaceDr Emre Aracı's article, published originally in Turkish in the July 2024 issue of Andante magazine (no: 213), explores the connections between Claude Debussy's composition La Mer, his personal life, and the English coastal landscapes that inspired it. Aracı interweaves his own experiences visiting locations significant to Debussy, including Eastbourne, with excerpts from Debussy's letters and the writings of Jocelyn Brooke. He highlights the impact of Debussy's tumultuous relationship with Emma Bardac on his artistic output and the enduring legacy of La Mer. The article uses personal anecdotes and historical details to illustrate how music, literature, and personal memory intertwine. Ultimately, it argues that artistic creation is profoundly shaped by personal experience and that musical compositions can evoke vivid memories across time.Dr Aracı's article provides a rich and nuanced exploration of the relationship between place, memory, personal experience, and musical creation. Through the lens of Debussy's La Mer, and his own personal experiences, Aracı shows us that music can act as a powerful means of transport, not just to other times and places, but to the innermost feelings and experiences of both the composer, and the listener themselves. It also highlights the value of reinterpreting well-established narratives by bringing new personal insights to the fore.This podcast has been created using Google's NotebookLM.Cast of CharactersCast of CharactersClaude Debussy: (1862-1918) A highly influential French composer. The text focuses on his tumultuous personal life and the creation of La Mer. He sought inspiration from images of the sea formed from memories, art and personal experiences rather than direct observation. He was initially married to Lilly Texier, then later to Emma Bardac.Lilly Texier: Debussy's first wife, from whom he separated. She attempted suicide after Debussy left her for Emma Bardac, leading to a public scandal.Emma Bardac (later Emma Debussy): A well-educated, intellectual Parisian woman with a fine singing voice. She was involved in Parisian musical circles, previously close to Gabriel Faure. She became Debussy's lover and later his second wife. Her life inspired a documentary, "The Loves of Emma Bardac". She and Debussy had a daughter, Claude-Emma.Jocelyn Brooke: (1908-1966) An English author who wrote The Military Orchid trilogy, which includes a description of his childhood home in Sandgate and his memories of hearing Debussy's First Arabesque by the sea. He had a strong affinity for the past.Dr Emre Aracı: A composer, conductor, and musicologist who wrote the article from which these details are extracted. He blends music, history and diplomacy in his work. He has a passion for the past and the connections between art and memory. He has possession of a 1924 letter by Emma Debussy, and contemplates its power to transport him to the time it was written.Jacques Durand: Debussy's publisher, to whom Debussy wrote from Eastbourne in July 1905.Louis Laloy: Debussy wrote to him from Eastbourne in August 1905 to tell him he had left Paris to escape the turmoil of his life.Gabriel Faure: A French composer who was close to Emma Bardac and her family. He broke ties with Debussy after the scandal of his separation from Lilly Texier.Regina-Helene (Dolly): Daughter of Emma Bardac, for whom Faure's Dolly Suite was named.Claude-Emma Debussy: Daughter of Claude Debussy and Emma Bardac, for whom Debussy's Children's Corner Suite was composed.For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com
Transcribe →Yester House and Gian Carlo Menotti
Jan 29, 202500:16:21Tap to summarizeYester House and Menotti: A RemembranceDr Emre Aracı's article reflects on his 2004 meeting with composer Gian Carlo Menotti at Yester House, Scotland. Published originally in Turkish in the March 2024 issue of Andante magazine (no: 209), the article recounts a vivid memory of Menotti, exploring his life, career, and generous spirit. It contrasts Menotti's enduring legacy with the modern indifference he faced, highlighting the recent revival of his opera The Telephone at the Edinburgh Festival. Furthermore, the article details Menotti's unrealized project to create a theatre at Yester House and his eventual passing, emphasizing the lasting impact of his kindness and artistic vision. Finally, the article concludes with a poignant reflection on memory and the enduring power of beauty.Dr Aracı's article is more than a mere biographical piece; it's a poignant reflection on the enduring power of memory, the importance of artistic integrity, and the bittersweet nature of time. The article contrasts Menotti's dedication to his own personal style and worldview with the indifference of the broader cultural landscape. It celebrates the man and his work, whilst lamenting the loss of his visionary theatre project, highlighting how a place can be imbued with personality and a reminder of the lives that have been lived there. Ultimately, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Gian Carlo Menotti and the enduring impact of his encounter with the composer.This podcast has been created using Google's NotebookLM.Cast of Characters:Dr Emre Aracı: Composer, conductor, and musicologist. Author of the article "Gian Carlo Menotti: Scotland's First and Last Italian Grand Maestro", and "Return to Yester House and Menotti". A graduate of the University of Edinburgh's Faculty of Music. He visited Menotti at Yester House in 2004.Gian Carlo Menotti: (1911-2007) Italian-born composer and librettist. Known for operas such as Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Medium, The Consul, and The Saint of Bleecker Street. Purchased Yester House in 1972 and lived there until his death. He attempted to build a theatre at Yester, although it never came to fruition.John Hay, 4th Marquess of Tweeddale: The Marquess who commissioned the Adam brothers to renovate Yester House into its neoclassical form in the 18th century.Robert Adam: Famous Scottish architect, commissioned by the 4th Marquess of Tweeddale, who gave Yester house its neoclassical form.Aydın Gün: Director of the 1952 Ankara production of Menotti's opera The Consul.Leyla Gencer: Turkish operatic soprano who performed the lead role in the 1952 Ankara production of Menotti's opera The Consul.Cevad Memduh Altar: Turkish musicologist who corresponded with Menotti about the copyright fees for The Consul in Ankara.John Ardoin: Author of The Stages of Menotti, which highlights Menotti's unwavering resolve as a composer.John Quinlan Terry: Architect favoured by the then-Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), who designed the planned theatre for Menotti at Yester House.King Charles III (formerly Prince Charles): He personally visited Menotti at Yester House and supported his theatre project with a donation.Giuseppe Amisani: Artist who painted the 1918 portrait of young Gian Carlo Menotti with his brother Tullio, which hung in Menotti's study at Yester House.Tullio Menotti: Gian Carlo Menotti's brother, featured in Giuseppe Amisani's 1918 portrait.Francis Menotti: Gian Carlo Menotti's adopted son who inherited Yester House after Menotti's death.For more information visit: www.emrearaci.weebly.com
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