Cumhur Görgün explores the historical context in Donizetti’s opera and complex motivations in Henry VIII’s relationships with Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour. BY CUMHUR GÖRGÜN ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS In Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, I step into the shoes of a young Henry, caught up in an intricate dance of love, power, and destiny. […]
The profound bond formed during wartime between musical genius Nadia Boulanger and her modest student Ruth Robbins lasted for decades until Boulanger’s death in 1979. Nadia was at a low point when she arrived in the United States. She felt worried and guilty about those left behind. She saw everything she believed in—spiritual faith, humanitarianism, […]
Exploring Boulanger’s leadership, influence, and relationships, revealing how she inspired a diverse tribe of musicians to preserve classical music traditions. If a tribe can be described as a people linked by social ties, with common culture, common dialect, and a commonly recognized leader, then when she met Ruth in 1940, Nadia Boulanger was a well-established […]
Nadia Boulanger’s charismatic influence stemmed from her intuition, spirituality, and dedication to traditional aesthetics during a tumultuous era of artistic nihilism. Nadia Boulanger influenced others profoundly. She had charisma. While the Greek root of “charisma” refers to a state of grace or favor that draws others into one’s orbit, the word, even in modern usage, […]
Boulanger had profound impact as music’s greatest teacher; her spiritual approach inspired composers from Stravinsky, to Bernstein, to Glass “It is easy to see her as the most influential teacher since Socrates,” Ned Rorem comments in his review of a book on Boulanger.. Or, as Don Campbell expresses it, “To measure the potency of Boulanger’s […]
by Idil Biret Ravel’s music has been part of my world since my early years. I encountered Gaspard de la nuit1 before entering the Paris Conservatoire. I remember hearing “Ondine” at a concert, or more likely at one of Marguerite Long’s masterclasses, without being absorbed by its delicate harmonies. “Ondine” and “Scarbo” had fearful reputations […]
Comparing music that inspires war with music inspired by war–from Wagner’s mythic battles to the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra’s healing performances–Cumhur Görgün shows us how music can empower propaganda or create peace. By Cumhur Görgün “I don’t have a gun, but I have my cello.” “If we are not fighting for culture then what is the […]
Performances etched in memory Dr. Aydin Karlibel İdil Biret’s legacy remains closely affiliated with the musical reforms of the Turkish Republic. Her concerts and solo recitals that I attended in Istanbul were felicitous, extraordinary musical events that shaped my thinking as a composer and my artistry as a pianist. Her live performances of the complete […]
The İdil Biret Foundation preserves the legendary pianist’s 75-year archive in Istanbul, supporting young musicians while housing historic instruments and artworks. By Şefik Kahramankaptan The name of monumental pianist and Turkish State Artist İdil Biret is being immortalized by the establishment of İdil Biret Foundation in Istanbul’s Şişli neighborhood. Her archives are being preserved by […]
Naxos releases Bach keyboard concertos featuring pianist Idil Biret with Turkish soloists and Bilkent Symphony Orchestra. Collection showcases works for one to four keyboards. By Dietrich Wolf Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Concertos for 1, 2, 3, and 4 Keyboards Pianos: Idil Biret (1-4), Ayşegül Sarıca (2-4), Hande Dalkılıç (3-4), Erol Erdinç (4) Bilkent Symphony Orchestra […]
