I have just started a new podcast series: Blackbox. The idea behind this podcast project is that I would like to share with you some of the experiences and questions that arise from my everyday work as a musician.
The Blackbox #001 features a conversation with the Turkish composer Tolga Yayalar on his solo piano piece “in the temporal gardens” which he dedicated to me. In this episode we talk about Tolga’s intention in composing this piece and what the particular challenges in writing for piano are. In addition, I also play specific musical examples that highlight certain aspects we discuss.
The world premiere of “in the temporal gardens” will take place at the next HGNM concert on April 25 at Harvard University.
Tolga and I would be more than happy to hear any comments, or answer all of your questions. Just post them as a comment on my website or email me at seda@sedaroeder.com.
I hope to see you at the concert!
Seda
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Cok guzel soylesi olmus.
Tolga Yayalar’i ve bestelerini tanidigim icin mutlu oldum. Parcalar cok guzel calinmis. Burada Seda’nin arastirmayla bilgiden muzige ulasan derinlikli zihni parildayarak yansiyor.
The podcasts are an excellent idea, Seda!
Especially enjoyed the point about making “difficult” music “easy” through notation: so true. If only more composers were aware of this.
Hey Seda!
I think to have a pre-concert conversation posted on the web is a great idea!
I really enjoyed listening to it!
Congratulations to you and Tolga.
Thank you Seda AND Tolga for this preview- how important it is to give a listener a tempting taste of such a sensual piece! Direct, fragrant, with an unmistakeable artist’s voice.
I especially agree with Tolga, when he says that’s it’s easy to write difficult music (often the Emperor’s new clothes..) and a craft to notate in a practical and communicable manner…is the author of your source novel translated into English?
I believe two of Tanpinar’s novels have been translated in English; A Mind at Piece and The Time Regulation Institute. Both are excellent novels. My favorite is the second one but it’s harder to find.
His poetry can also be found in Turkish poetry anthologies.
You can check out this review:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-ahmet-hamdi-tanpinar1-2009mar01,0,7593158.story
Seda,
Thank you so much for drawing my attention to your podcast, which I found very enjoyable. It’s interesting that this is Tolga’s first piano music, and my question would be, “Is he a pianist?” It’s often fascinating to compare the piano music of pianists and non-pianists, of course a matter quite independent of the quality of the music. I was also interested in your reference to sonata form – I will be listening for that resonance on Saturday. Looking forward.
Dear Bertram,
Your point is very interesting. If the composer him/herself isn’t a pianist, a piece can be really difficult to read and to play. On the other hand it will be free from self-imposed limitations that the knowledge of the instrument brings about. “In the temporal gardens” is a perfect example of this: it is a challenging piece, and at the same time it creates a whole new sound world that a typical approach to the piano would not have produced.
Looking forward to seeing you at (and after) the performance,
Seda
Dear All,
Thank you very much for your comments! Seda:-)
Absolutely fabulous. This is exactly what current audiences need to get a grip on new music. If more contemporary composers had your savvy, contemporary classical music would be a lot more popular.