Turkish pianist Fazil Say is one of the charismatic stars on the European scene. Recently signed to the Warner Classics label, he offers nocturnes by Chopin, a composer he has rarely played or recorded in the past. The packaging contains this justification: "I had a particular idea about playing Chopin...We're facing difficult times in this world, but if you play this music, you forget everything." One can debate this statement; Chopin lived in turbulent times as well. But it gives a clue as to Say's interpretation, which ...
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Turkish pianist Fazil Say is one of the charismatic stars on the European scene. Recently signed to the Warner Classics label, he offers nocturnes by Chopin, a composer he has rarely played or recorded in the past. The packaging contains this justification: "I had a particular idea about playing Chopin...We're facing difficult times in this world, but if you play this music, you forget everything." One can debate this statement; Chopin lived in turbulent times as well. But it gives a clue as to Say's interpretation, which aims at being hypnotic and very often succeeds. His readings of the nocturnes are unusually Motorik, with rubato kept under control except at certain intense junctures: his touch is light; his dynamic levels are quiet. The results individually can be quite arresting, with each nocturne explored in subtle strokes. You can imagine Say playing these in concert and holding his devoted audience rapt; you can also imagine listening to them in sequence in a dreamlike state late at night. But...
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