Black Earth was inspired by Kara Toprak, a popular song in Turkey. The composer of the song, Aşik Veysel, was the last great Turkish balladeer. Fazil Say imitates the sound of the saz, a Turkish lute, through his selection of a muted effect in the Introduction and Epilogue. In contrast, folklore, Romantic piano style and jazz are entwined in the central sections to form a large-scale outburst. Now also available in an arrangement for two pianos.