World-Class Piano Music—A Narrative Concert! Liszt’s *Rhapsodie espagnole* and Other Masterpieces!

Meryem Akdenizli will perform works by Mozart, Chaminade, Ravel, Hensel (née Mendelssohn), and Liszt at the Stadthalle “I perform for Weltklassik on the piano because the atmosphere at these concerts is absolutely wonderful, the audience listens with such heart and intellect, and because the Weltklassik management supports us artists in such a unique way!” — Meryem Akdenizli Meryem Natalie Akdenizli made her debut at the age of 15 at the Liederhalle in Stuttgart, gave her first solo piano recital there shortly thereafter, and today performs over 40 concerts worldwide each year (e.g., Concertgebouw, Amsterdam; Gewandhaus, Leipzig). She studied in Trossingen, Paris, Hanover, and Freiburg and graduated with a concert exam. In addition to her sensitive interpretive skills and her pianistic mastery, Akdenizli stands out for an extraordinary talent: She not only captivates her audience with wonderful musical experiences, but also fascinates her listeners—especially—with explanations of the musical contexts and backgrounds! Akdenizli is the recipient of numerous prizes from international competitions and is well-known through broadcasts on German, Dutch, and Turkish radio. Since 2018, she has also served as a lecturer at the Freiburg University of Music. "World-Class Classical Piano—A Narrated Concert! Liszt’s Rhapsodie espagnole and Other Masterpieces!" W. A. Mozart’s Fantasy, K. 397, begins with an introduction somewhat reminiscent of Bach. This is followed first by the Adagio, full of deep tragedy, interrupted by short improvisational passages, and then by a cheerful, light-hearted Allegretto. As the first composer of the evening, Akdenizli will perform works by Cecil Chaminade. The magic of these compositions lies in a colorful musical language full of virtuosity and lyricism. She brings the first half of the program to a virtuosic close with the seductive sounds of “Ondine” from M. Ravel’s “Gaspard de la Nuit.” After the intermission, we’ll hear melodies by Fanny Hensel, the sister of F. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. These are reminiscent of his “Songs Without Words” and captivate with their heartfelt melodiousness. The evening concludes brilliantly with the passionate Spanish rhythms of F. Liszt’s “Rhapsodie espagnole.”