The Music Department students of TEV İnanç Türkeş Private High School gave an unforgettable concert with the Pekinel duo at Boğaziçi University last week...

A girl, who appears to be 12-13 years old on the stage plays Dvorak's Humoresque with the violin she picked up for the first time eight and a half months ago. A little later, a slightly older young man interprets Bach's famous Toccata and Fugue on the piano with great seriousness, sensitivity and skill. Furthermore, we listen to Chopin's Waltzes and Mazurkas from three girls who seem to be around 14 years old. Then comes the wind instruments: 1 flute, 2 clarinets and 1 bassoon. First they sing Mozart's ‘Little Night Music’, then the unforgettable master of Argentine tango Carlos Gardel's ‘Por Una Cabeza’, and finally Scott Joplin's ‘The Entertainer’.

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The Closing Concert with English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Gerard Schwarz featuring Güher and Süher Pekinel as solosits was among other concerts that I could watch also an unforgettable experience.

Pekinels performed „Concerto for two pianos and orchestra“ by 20th century French composer Francis Poulenc. Poulenc, in 1920’s as a member of „Les Six“ initiated humorous music through the depressing era of war. Later, he devoted himself to more mystical themes and aspects throughout his musical life.The eclectic piece which we haven’t been listening for a long time, has been performed in a dignifying and deep understanding by Pekinels. They created polysemic colors and gave the mysticism in prominence.

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When Güher and Süher Pekinel interpret Bartók’s concerto, as always, they display a flawless synergy. It is as if two pianos played by four hands, all controlled by the same brain, come together with the other musicians on stage, presenting a celebration that is spectacular to listen and to watch. Almost all of the pieces that they performed at the Ludwigsburg Festival consist of works that are frequently played by artists in two piano concerts. Yet, even here, when one listens to Schubert’s Fantasia in F minor (D 940) or Mozart’s Sonata in D Major (KV 448), it is as if one can feel the excitement of two pianists playing together for the first time. Combining the excitement of playing for the first time with the experience of making music together for years, is a mastery that only artists like Güher and Süher Pekinel can achieve. In terms of both repertoire and interpretation, this is one of the most important albums of 2014. More

Unchanging Discipline, unchanging Quality

Güher – Süher Pekinel’s third DVD album, released by Arthaus, combines a concert ranging from Schubert to Poulenc, with a Bela Bartok rendition conducted by Zubin Mehta. A CD version of the album is also available.

Ufuk Çakmak , December 2014

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