I am delighted to announce the publication of Seikilos Chimes, a four-movement solo guitar suite commissioned by Turkish-born guitarist Barkin Sertkaya and supported by Creative New Zealand. Inspired by the world’s oldest surviving complete piece of music — the Seikilos Epitaph — this work blends Anatolian and New Zealand themes, with unique scordatura tuning that gives the piece its distinctive voice.
The movements reflect the ancient text: While You Live, Shine; Sing and Dance; Life is Short; and Time Demands its Toll (also referred to as 'Time Demands its Due'). Westminster Chimes are interwoven throughout, adding a personal and poignant layer to this cross-cultural collaboration.
Seikilos Chimes is now available as a digital edition via Lulu Publishing, and copies are also accessible through SOUNZ.
Watch the world premiere performance by Barkin Sertkaya on YouTube below:
Embed all four YouTube videos here
For more information about the commission, visit the University of Auckland press release.
- While You Live, Shine
- Sing and Dance
- Life is Short
- Time Demands its Due