Yunus Emre InstituteOn Saturday, December 14, 2024, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London organised a captivating Echoes of Love concert featuring the unforgettable works of two legendary Turkish composers, Sadettin Kaynak and Selahattin Pınar. This special event was dedicated to exploring the emotional depth of Turkish music and celebrating the legacies of these two great masters.
Held at the historic St. Mary’s Church Islington, a beautiful 12th-century venue, the concert offered an enriching journey into the emotional richness of Turkish music through the works of these iconic composers.
The concert featured talented musicians including Baha Yetkin (Oud & Vocals), Serdar Yılmaz (Kanun), Mehmet Yaren (Violin), Muammer Sağlam (Percussion), and Alexandros Koustas (Kemençe). Each artist’s delicate and passionate performance added depth to the pieces, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the emotional world of the music.
Sadettin Kaynak, a composer known for his masterpieces such as “Leyla Bir Özge Candır,” has had a profound influence on Turkish music with his emotional depth and elegance. His works continue to resonate deeply with audiences. During the concert, melodies such as “Leyla Acep Neden,” “Nereden Sevdim O Zalim Kadını,” and “Söyleyin Nerede O Göz Nuru” provided the audience with an opportunity to rediscover the unique musical world of Kaynak.
Selahattin Pınar, known for his works filled with themes of love, longing, and sorrow, holds a significant place in Turkish music. Emotional pieces such as “Bir Bahar Akşamı,” “Gecenin Matemini,” and “Kalbim Yine Üzgün” were performed during the concert. Especially works like “Nereden Sevdim O Zalim Kadını” and “Kara Sevda Gibi Ruhumda” beautifully reflected Pınar’s ability to express the pain and beauty of love, deeply moving the audience.
One of the most popular pieces of the evening was Selahattin Pınar’s “Sorma Bana Nafile”, which, through the harmony between the kemençe and oud, touched the souls of the listeners with its portrayal of love’s pain. Another unforgettable moment occurred during Sadettin Kaynak’s piece “Menekşelendi Sular,” where the graceful melodies, enhanced by the kanun and kemençe, created a mesmerizing atmosphere for the audience.
The concert concluded with a performance of “Çile Bülbülüm,” a piece that celebrated the melodic richness of both composers. The rhythmic structure of the percussion, the emotional tone of the kemençe, and the delicate touch of the oud made this piece an unforgettable finale.
The Sadettin Kaynak and Selahattin Pınar Concert offered an unforgettable experience for those wishing to explore the depths of Turkish music and take a timeless journey through the works of these great composers. At the end of the evening, the participants left with deep satisfaction, paying tribute to this valuable musical heritage.
As Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London continues its mission of promoting cultural exchange and understanding, the event served as a platform for dialogue and exploration, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering connections between diverse communities.