Alaz Pesen's Book Examines Turkey's History of Translated Songs

Musician and academic Alaz Pesen approaches translated songs and arrangements in Turkey's music history from a different perspective in her book titled "Şarkı Çevirisi: Müzik Tarihimizden Unutulmaz Örnekler" (Song Translation: Unforgettable Examples from Our Music History).

The Dynamics of Song Translation

Alaz Pesen's work emphasizes that song translation is not merely a transfer between two languages, but a production space re-established through music, lyrics, and interpretation. Ensuring that the lyrics live within the melody, that the syllables fit the music, and that the accents are preserved carries great importance during the translation process.

A Broad Repertoire

The book examines the new meanings that foreign melodies have gained in Turkey through a broad repertoire extending from arrangements and marches to folk music, rock, and protest music. The work brings together rich examples spread across different eras.

Reflections on Marches and Folk Music

Works such as "Dağ Başını Duman Almış" (The Mountain Tops Are Covered in Mist), adapted from a composition by Swedish composer Felix Körling and identified with the feeling of youth, and "Bella Ciao" ("Çav Bella"), associated with Italian resistance culture, serve as examples of the transformation of melodies in social memory.

Unforgettable Works and Digital Access

The book discusses many important works performed by names such as Hasan Mutlucan, Ajda Pekkan, and Athena, alongside Yeni Türkü's track "Olmasa Mektubun". Thanks to the QR codes located on the pages, readers can listen to the songs via digital platforms.