Download Carlo Domeniconi's Variations on an Anatolian Folk Song PDF for Free: A Guide for Guitarists
Carlo Domeniconi: Variations on an Anatolian Folk Song
If you are a classical guitar enthusiast, you have probably heard of Carlo Domeniconi, one of the most original and influential composers for the instrument in the 20th and 21st centuries. His works are known for their rich musical language, diverse cultural influences, and expressive depth. One of his most famous and beloved pieces is Variations on an Anatolian Folk Song, a captivating and challenging work that explores the beauty and complexity of a traditional Turkish melody. In this article, we will learn more about Domeniconi's life and career, the Anatolian folk song and its cultural context, the musical analysis of the variations, and how to find and download the PDF file of the score for free.
carlo domeniconi-variations on an anatolian folk song pdf free
The Life and Career of Carlo Domeniconi
Carlo Domeniconi was born in Cesena, Italy, in 1947. He started playing guitar at a young age and studied at the Conservatorio Rossini in Pesaro, where he graduated with honors in 1969. He also studied composition with Boris Porena and piano with Guido Agosti.
Domeniconi's musical style was influenced by his travels around the world, especially in Asia, Africa, and South America. He lived in Turkey for ten years, where he taught guitar at the Istanbul State Conservatory and became fascinated by Turkish music and culture. He also spent time in India, where he learned about Indian classical music and instruments. He incorporated elements from these different musical traditions into his compositions, creating a unique fusion of sounds and colors.
Domeniconi has won several awards for his compositions, such as the first prize at the International Guitar Competition in Alessandria in 1975, the first prize at the International Guitar Competition in Havana in 1985, and the first prize at the International Guitar Competition in Volos in 1995. He has also collaborated with many renowned guitarists, such as John Williams, David Russell, Alvaro Pierri, Aniello Desiderio, and Elena Papandreou.
The Anatolian Folk Song and Its Cultural Context
The Anatolian folk song that inspired Domeniconi's variations is called Köroğlu, which means "the son of the blind man" in Turkish. It is based on a legend about a hero who fought against oppression and injustice in 16th-century Anatolia. The legend has been passed down orally through generations of storytellers, singers, poets, and musicians.
The musical characteristics and style of the song reflect the diversity and richness of Anatolian folk music, which is influenced by various ethnic groups, such as Turks, Kurds, Armenians, Greeks, Arabs, and Persians. The song is in a modal scale called Hicaz, which has a distinctive interval of three-quarter tones between the second and third degrees. The song also has a complex rhythmic structure, with alternating measures of 9/8 and 4/4. The song is usually sung by a solo voice accompanied by a saz, a long-necked lute with seven or eight strings.
The song is very popular and well-known in Turkey and among Turkish communities abroad. It has been recorded and performed by many artists, such as Arif Sağ, Erkan Oğur, Aşık Veysel, and Sezen Aksu. It has also been adapted and arranged for various instruments and ensembles, such as guitar, violin, cello, piano, orchestra, and choir.
The Variations on an Anatolian Folk Song and Their Musical Analysis
Domeniconi composed the Variations on an Anatolian Folk Song in 1984 for solo guitar. The work consists of 12 variations and a finale, based on the theme of the folk song. The duration of the work is about 25 minutes.
The structure and form of the variations are as follows:
Variation
Tempo
Character
Theme
Lento
Simple and faithful presentation of the melody
I
Lento
Harmonization of the melody with open strings
II
Presto
Fast and rhythmic variation with percussive effects
III
Poco meno mosso
Melodic variation with chromatic embellishments
IV
Lento assai
Free and expressive variation with rubato and glissandi
V
Presto possibile
Virtuosic variation with rapid scales and arpeggios
VI
Lento assai e molto espressivo
Dramatic variation with wide leaps and dissonant chords
VII
Presto possibile e ritmico
Energetic variation with syncopated rhythms and accents
VIII
Lento assai e molto espressivo (come una preghiera)
Prayer-like variation with tremolo and harmonics
IX
Presto possibile e ritmico (come una danza)
Dance-like variation with pizzicato and staccato notes
X-XI-XII (attacca)
Lento - Presto - Lento assai e molto espressivo - Presto possibile e ritmico - Lento assai e molto espressivo - Presto possibile e ritmico - Lento assai e molto espressivo - Presto possibile e ritmico - Lento assai e molto espressivo - Presto possibile e ritmico - Lento assai e molto espressivo - Presto possibile e ritmico - Lento assai e molto espressivo - Presto possibile e ritmico - Lento assai e molto espressivo - Presto possibile e ritmico - Lento assai e molto espressivo (come una ninnananna)
A series of contrasting variations that alternate between slow and fast tempos, expressive and rhythmic characters, melodic and harmonic elements, high and low registers, loud and soft dynamics, etc.
Finale (attacca)
Prestissimo possibile (come un sogno)
A fast and furious finale that recapitulates some of the previous variations in a condensed and distorted way, ending with a sudden silence.
The harmonic and melodic development of the variations are based on the original mode of the folk song, but also explore other modes, such as Hüseyni, Uşşak, and N 71b2f0854b