Köprülü Plays Köprülü: Following the Steps of J

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Köprülü plays Köprülü: following the steps of J. S. Bach

Performers

Bogatay Köprülü - Pianist & Composer

Programme

Bach, J. S. (1685-1750) Well Tempered Clavier Book 2 No: 18, Prelude & Fugue

B. Köprülü (1991- ) Sonata for Piano I. Allegro Furioso II. Adagio III. Allegro Molto, Presto

Programme Notes

In this programme, Köprülü draws inspiration from the musical tradition set forth by the famous Well Tempered Klavier book 2 - Nr:18 Prelude & Fugue by J. S. Bach and places his own composition on the historical timeline of harmonic development.

His own second opus, the piano sonata which was completed in 2006 and dedicated to pianist Birce Polat. It contains elements of inspirations by being an early work of a passionate 15-year-old composer. This piece showcases his evolving skills at that time by progressing through a sparkling harmonic journey.

Biography

"Bogatay Köprülü is a multi-faceted musician, concert-giving composer, creating and conducting his orchestral and chamber music. His latest Piano Concerto received the 1st prize from the jury and 3rd prize from the audience at the "Eczacıbaşı National Composition Contest” in Izmir, Turkey.

In 2020, he performed his own early solo piano works mixed with classical repertoire. Shortly after, he took part in the online opening concert of Gümüşlük Classic Music Festival- GFA by playing his own Impromtus for Piano. He composed a single movement sonata for “Galata Trio” ensemble and has just completed his concerto for violoncello.

Concert Pianist Gülsin Onay said “the award-winning Piano Concerto is a work of superior quality… I was fascinated by his advanced technique, musical understanding and mature approach to the piano”.

In 2016, he completed composition training with Prof. Tolga Zafer Özdemir at Istanbul Bilgi University. Since that time, he further improved his piano technique with Prof. Vassilia Efstathiadou in Hannover as her private student and took part in several masterclasses in Croatia, Crete, including the Gümüşlük Festival Academy with concert pianist Gülsin Onay, Prof. Konstanze Eickhorst, and pianist Francesco Libetta.

Meanwhile, he studied at the most valued French High School Saint Joseph in Istanbul accompanied by his piano studies lasting a decade. In this long period, he immersed himself in composing numerous pieces, including a formidable Sonata for Piano Solo which showcased his evolving skills. He is a passionate musician questing after true knowledge regarding ancient roots of harmony by searching for both esoteric and scientific viewpoints.