Commissioned by Turkish-born guitarist Barkin Sertkaya with support from Creative New Zealand, Seikilos Chimes is a four-movement suite inspired by the Seikilos Epitaph — the world’s oldest surviving complete piece of music. Each movement reflects a line of the ancient text: - While you live, shine – a vibrant opening built from variations of the epitaph’s melody. - Sing and Dance – rhythmic and tonal colours drawn from Turkish folk traditions. - Life is Short – fleeting melodic fragments punctuated by pizzicato “tick-tock” effects. - Time Demands its Toll – driving rhythms and agitated energy, culminating in a full statement of the ancient melody. Alongside these motifs, the work weaves in echoes of the Westminster Chimes — a personal reference to the clock tower in Blenheim, New Zealand, memorialising lives lost in war, including those of the composer’s own ancestors. This edition is published in scordatura notation only, a practical decision that best serves most classical guitarists. The unique tuning (6=C, 5=G, 4=E, 3=G, 2=C, 1=E) shapes the sound world of the piece, making it both distinctive and rewarding, though not necessarily approachable for players who prefer standard tuning. The result is a unique meeting of Anatolian and Aotearoan themes, blending ancient and modern, personal and universal. As Barkin Sertkaya observes, “Performing this piece combines cultural aspects from both worlds in a blissful and captivating way.” Note: Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but errors or omissions may occur. This score is provided as-is; future corrections may be uploaded. For significant issues or corrections, please make contact via Bruce Paine's official Facebook page or LinkedIn.