"Say Plays Say 3" is a captivating journey through the musical landscape of Fazıl Say's compositions, released on October 29, 2021, under ACM Production. This album is a testament to Say's virtuosity and his ability to blend classical piano with contemporary themes, resulting in a compelling 56-minute experience.
The album opens with the İzmir Suite, Op. 79, a seven-movement work that paints a vivid musical portrait of the city of İzmir. Each movement is inspired by different aspects of the city, from the waves of the gulf to the esplanade in the morning, and even pays homage to classical composers like Brahms and Chopin through Say's unique lens.
The second half of the album is dedicated to the Gezi Park Sonata, Op. 52, a powerful four-movement piece that reflects on the Gezi Park protests in İstanbul. The sonata is a poignant musical narrative that captures the spirit of resistance, the silence that followed, and the enduring hope of the people.
The album concludes with two shorter pieces, Op. 81, and a reimagined version of "Black Earth," along with a memorial piece from "Art of Piano, Op. 66," dedicated to the victims of the 2015 Ankara bombing. Throughout the album, Say's mastery of the piano is evident, making "Say Plays Say 3" a profound exploration of his musical voice and a significant addition to his discography.
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