Pianist and composer Fazıl Say has signed a new recording contract with Warner Classics. It marks a return to the group after the Turkish-born musician made his first recordings 18 years ago for the Warner-owned Teldec label.  

In the years since, he has built himself a substantial reputation both as pianist and also as composer, being described in Gramophone ‘as one of the new century’s leading symphonists’ (April 2013), his works having been commissioned by the Salzburg Festival, the WDR and the Dortmund Konzerthaus amongst others. 

Say’s first release under the new contact, in September, will be a comprehensive recording of Mozart’s Piano Sonatas as a single 6-CD box set. The sonatas are grouped by key in order to highlight Mozart’s work with tonality across the entire collection. Say has written an essay which accompanies the set in which he describes his relationship to the works, stating: ‘The feelings that came to the fore during these recordings are some of the most special that I have experienced in my life’. 

In other repertoire, Gramophone said about his recording of Beethoven concertos and sonatas that ‘Say’s entirely personal view is burning and almost palpable’ (July 2014). Future recordings will range ‘from Chopin to Satie, to my own music as a composer.’

Alain Lanceron, President of Warner Classics and Erato, described Say as ‘one of the greatest pianists of our era; he is also a renowned composer whose unique style creates a scintillating blend of classical and jazz influences.

‘This is above all an artist engaged in the world around him; a humanist who never stops championing freedom of expression. To see him return to his original label family, with inspired recording projects that will captivate his loyal fans and new listeners alike, is for us a source of great pride.’

Nathaniel Gore