Say’s CD Best Album in France

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Fazıl Say’s ‘Pictures’ won the prestigious Choc de Classic prize in France.

An album by Turkey’s world-renowned pianist Fazıl Say has received the “Album Of The Month” award in France. The “Choc de Classic” prize, one of the best classical music awards in Europe, was presented to the musician for “Pictures,” recorded in 2011.

The album, which has so far received positive reactions from European critics, includes three outstanding works: Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an exhibition,” Janacek’s “1 October 2005” and Prokofiev’s “Piano Sonata No: 7.”

Commenting on the album, critics say the artist has a “strong personality” and he has a striking and unique way of playing. While performing Mussorgsky, the Turkish pianist makes the work shine again in a thousand different colors. Prokofiev’s ‘Piano Sonata No: 7 becomes more violent with the artist performs it, while Janacek’s work is more sensitive when played by Say. His piano and his approach are unique, they said.