Celil Refik Kaya (b.1991)
Sonata No.1 (2017)
From My Window (2020)
Sonatina (2012-2013)
Prelude No.1 for Guitar (2008)
Sketches Vol. 1 (2019)
Theme and Variations on Geliyor Yavez (2023)
Celil Refik Kaya (guitar)
rec. 2024, Anglican Church, Newmarket, Canada
Naxos 8.574598 [59]
The prowess of Celil Refik Kaya, both as a guitarist and musician is well established in his past recording reviewed on this site. His latest offering on Naxos presents the artist in new light: that of composer of music for the guitar He now joins the ranks of past great virtuosi who composed their own music for the instrument.
On the review disc we find six compositions from the pen of Kaya, all of which are receiving their world premier recordings. To facilitate maximum understanding, and enjoyment of this entirely new music, Kaya provides extensive notes on each composition on which I have drawn in the following paragraphs..
Sonata No 1 in D major. This composition of three movements presents an American sound by using pentatonic melodies and jazz chord progressions, inspired by composers such as Aaron Copland and John Williams, These various influences include jazz ballad, French impressions, and Spanish folk music. Rather conspicuous is music and playing redolent of the great Jorge Morel whose opus Kaya excels at playing and recording. From My Window was commissioned by the Brazilian guitarist Mario da Silva Jnr. the dedicatee of the work. The music is based on reflections apropos quarantine and isolation during the Covid-19 period. During this difficult time Kaya was in Texas and Oklahoma; he finished the composition in Oklahoma city.
Kaya’s original goal in composing the Guitar Sonatina was that of creating a substantial concert piece he could perform in his own recitals. Composed during 2012/13 it carries a deeply personal dimension experiencing his hope, joy, and longing. Prelude No 1 for Guitar was written when Kaya was 17; it was composed during a period of sickness when he was confined to bed. Unable to practise his guitar, this work was composed in that stillness and in a single sitting. The music is melodious with tinges of sentimentality.
Kayas father, Mehmet Refil Kaya is a professional painter, performer sculptor and composer. Sketches Vol 1 is inspired by a selection from his father’s work. Theme and Variations is based on the folk song Geliyor Yavuz which Kaya feels is the perfect basis on which to write variations. He has written sets of theme and variations in the past, but expresses that this is the most extensive, and enjoyable of the ones he has written. It also has special significance to the composer because it carries a lot of characteristics of Black Sea Turkish music.
As we have come to anticipate, the playing here by Kaya is impeccable. He has total technical command over the instrument and plays with a full, rich tone. His renditions are a reminder of Segovia’s claim that ‘the guitar is a miniature orchestra’ The instrument employed on this occasion is by Californian luthier Glenn Canin.
It is often claimed that music of a specific country is played best by indigenous musician; there will be those who will immediately identify examples of conformity, while others will identify exceptions. How well Kaya plays his own compositions is a matter of conjecture and subjective preferences, as no one else has ever recorded it. Whether the music stands alone as superior, or whether Kaya makes it sound that way because he is such a fine musician, is a matter for the listener. There are numerous occasions when one can access a bargain ‘twofer’ but on this occasion it all comes on the one disc.
Recent history records that the best, most popular, and the most successful of the Pop genre composed their own material. All things considered, Kaya deserves to enjoy similar success in his genre of Western Art Music. May circumstance be accommodating, and fully embrace this substantial talent.
Zane Turner
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