Fazıl Say: an extraordinary bridge between East and West

"If you fill a person’s life with music and love, they can heal." — Bob Marley. Fazıl Say’s music is exactly that, healing for the heart and filling the soul with a deep thirst for love.

Fazıl Say is an exceptional composer and virtuoso pianist who has played a significant role in popularizing the works of Mozart and Beethoven in Turkey. His compositions act as a powerful bridge between the East and the West, seamlessly integrating stylistic, rhythmic, and folkloric elements of his homeland.

For over 30 years, Fazıl Say has demonstrated extraordinary piano skills, consistently captivating audiences and earning the admiration of critics. His concerts are marked by an undeniable authenticity, emotional depth, and a raw openness that touches the deepest corners of the listener’s soul.

Perhaps it was this unique gift that caught the attention of composer Aribert Reimann during his visit to Ankara in 1986. While in the Turkish capital, Reimann happened to hear the then 16-year-old musician perform. Amazed, he urged his companion, American pianist David Levine, to visit the conservatory: "You have to listen to this boy, he plays like the devil," he said.

Fazıl Say was born with a cleft lip, which led his mother to sell their apartment to afford surgery in London. On a doctor’s recommendation, he was given a small flute to help strengthen his lip muscles.

However, his love for music came from his father, who had always dreamed of becoming a pianist. At a young age, Say began his musical education under the mentorship of Mithat Fenmen, a former student of Alfred Cortot in Paris. Recognizing his extraordinary talent, Fenmen introduced a unique teaching approach, before tackling technical exercises, he encouraged young Fazıl to improvise daily, drawing inspiration from his everyday life.

In 1989, at just eight years old, Fazıl Say was awarded special recognition at a young talent competition for his piece "What the Piano Told Me?"

At 14, he became a student at the State Conservatory in Ankara. After graduation, his talent was recognized by David Levine and Aribert Reimann, leading to an opportunity to complete his musical education at the Robert Schumann Hochschule in Düsseldorf under Levine’s guidance. After finishing his studies, he spent time living in Berlin.

In 1994, Fazıl Say won the International Young Concert Artists Competition in New York, paving the way for numerous awards, including ECHO Klassik (2001, 2009, 2013), Bremer Musikfest-Preis (2008), Rheingau Musikpreis (2013) and many other. 

Alongside these accolades, he has composed numerous orchestral and solo works, often drawing inspiration from the great classical composers. One striking example of this is his Alla Turca Jazz, a reinterpretation of Mozart’s famous Turkish March. 

One of his latest compositions, "Mozart and Mevlana", written for soloists, choir, and orchestra, seamlessly weaves together the musical aesthetics of Mozart with the spiritual poetry of the 13th-century Sufi mystic Rumi (Mevlana). This piece bridges the rich musical heritage of both East and West, resonating with themes of peace and humanity.

Western classical music harmoniously intertwines with the verses of Rumi, presented in Turkish. The inclusion of traditional Turkish folk instruments enhances the depth of this unique composition, blending centuries, cultures, and regions into a breathtaking sonic experience. The piece symbolizes the possibility of friendship, understanding, and harmony. 

"Mozart’s music is the music of humanity. Just like Mevlana’s words, which unite people regardless of religion or belief." — Fazıl Say

In today’s world, overshadowed by conflicts and suffering, Fazıl Say’s music serves as a cultural counterpoint, advocating for unity. His performances are nothing short of extraordinary: raw, captivating, and profoundly emotional. His playing is both unfiltered and exhilarating, with an open yet simple approach.

In his book, Fazıl Say reflects: "As someone who has lived for half a century, I feel immense gratitude for my family, my wife, my team, and my loyal friends. Looking back on my journey, I contemplate the events of the past fifty years. The first 25 years were dedicated to learning and self-discovery, I cherish the memories of my mentors and the unwavering support of my family. The next 25 years were a period of intense transformation, where I sought to make my mark on the world, pursue artistic endeavors, and gain recognition for my music."