Yüksel Koptagel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yüksel Koptagel
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Yüksel Koptagel in 2018
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| Background information | |
| Born | 27 October 1931 (age 93) Istanbul, Turkey |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Composer & Performer |
| Instruments | Piano |
Yüksel Koptagel (born October 27, 1931) is a talented Turkish composer and pianist. She was born in Istanbul, Turkey. Her family had a rich history. Her grandfather, Osman Nuri Koptagel, was a general who fought in the Turkish War of Independence. Her great-grandfather, Abdul Karim Khan Tareen, was a doctor who moved to Istanbul from what is now Pakistan. Yüksel's father was a dentist, and her mother was a teacher.
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A Musical Journey
Yüksel grew up in a home filled with music. She started playing the piano when she was just five years old. Her first teacher was Rana Erksan.
Early Studies in Turkey
From 1948 to 1955, Yüksel studied piano. She also learned about harmony, counterpoint, and fugue. These are all important parts of music composition. Her teacher was the famous composer and conductor Cemal Reşit Rey.
While studying, Yüksel also performed. She gave concerts with the Istanbul Municipal Orchestra. This was between 1951 and 1954.
Studying Abroad
In 1955, Yüksel received a special grant. This allowed her to go to Spain to continue her studies. She attended the Madrid Royal Conservatory. There, she learned from famous musicians like José Cubiles and Joaquin Rodrigo.
Later, in 1957, she was accepted into the Conservatoire de Paris in France. She worked with many great teachers there. These included Tony Aubin, Alexandre Tansman, and Lazare Levy. The Ministry of Culture in Spain also invited her to special courses. She worked with the renowned pianist Alicia de Larrocha.
Working as a Musician
After finishing her studies, Yüksel Koptagel returned to Istanbul. She joined the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra. She worked there as both a pianist and a composer.
She is known for being the first person to compose classical guitar music in Turkey. This was a big achievement!
Her Musical Style
Yüksel Koptagel's early music was inspired by Turkish rhythms. You can hear this in pieces like "Tamzara" and "Toccata." These works use traditional Turkish sounds.
She also found inspiration in Spanish music. Some of her younger pieces, like "Minorca Sonata," show this influence. Overall, her music combines Western classical styles with traditional Turkish melodies.
Selected Works
Here are some of the musical pieces Yüksel Koptagel has composed:
- Quand nous nous sommes séparés (for piano)
- Pastorale (for piano)
- Impression de Minorque (for piano)
- Epitafio de un muchacho muerto en abril (for piano)
- Toccata (for piano)
- Fossil Suite (for piano or guitar)
- Tamzara (Türkischer Tanz) (for piano or guitar)
