Symphony No. 5

In contrast with his four previous symphonies (Istanbul, Mesopotamia, Universe and Hope), Fazıl Say’s Symphony No. 5 has no programmatic title. However, each of its three movements has its own subject: the first movement, Upheavals and Longing, reflects experiences during the Covid pandemic, lockdown, and the war in Ukraine. The central part, Elegy, takes up events in Turkish history: the pogroms of 6 and 7 September 1955. The movement is a lament for people of Christian, Jewish, Greek and Armenian origins, who, in their thousands, were victims of acts of violence at that time. The final movement, Tree of Life, with its irregular rhythms and sharp contrasts, mirrors the highs and lows of life in homage to people who, despite hardships, retain a positive outlook on life.