*Note to all: There is a wonderful prequel to this experience in which our tour guide Latif was kind enough to share his musical talent and knowledge by intruducing different instruements, music styles, and songs to the group. I was unfortunate and missed all but the last instrument and song he performed (an Indian instruement) before the floor was cleared for the group of Turkish men who had accompanied us to our private concert in a cave.
We sit in a circle warmed by the soft light and the softer carpets.
An older Turk, very clean in his appearance sits holding a string instrument with a long thin neck and round banjo shaped body lacking a hole (name of instrument to be inserted soon!). This instrument is used for court music which consists mostly of love songs. The men around him join in the well known and loved song, eyes closed as minds go to another place, a place both happy and mournful at the same time. This tale has a bittersweet tone, though its content is known only to those who speak their poetic language.
The cave walls are white except for areas black from the smoke of many fires and candles past, a history I am rudely awakened to as wax begins falling all over my new poncho from the candle above my head. Bridles, antlers, and saddles hang on the wall.
Drinks are plentiful and the spirit soft. A caged bird sings along to the harmonium. Songs abruptly end, instruments tuned, friendly banter in Turkish conducted over traditional Turkish tea (plenty of sugar added), bear, wine, and ancient carpets. Laughter is shared.
A new voice, a new instrument. A young man, his long curly hair falling over the sides of his face, framing deepset eyes and well-groomed facial hair. Looks more like an Evergreen student than a Turk. He sings alone, his guitar(esque, another insturment title to come) pulled close to him as his song rises and falls. The voices around him strengthen and the walls resonate. The voices around him fall and suddenly his voice explodes, filling the room, the air, and our hearts. Other voices quiet to a whisper and then are completely drowned out by the strength of his story.
We are awed into silence and warm with the a readiness to fall into dreams painted with beautiful music.
