Turkish pianist İlyun Bürkev plays Frédéric Chopin’s Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39. This performance was recorded at the Musikakademie in Liechtenstein in April 2024, when Bürkev was 16 years old.
Frédéric Chopin’s Scherzo No. 3
Frédéric Chopin’s Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39, composed in 1839, is one of the most powerful and dramatic pieces in his repertoire. Unlike the light-hearted or playful nature typically associated with the term “scherzo” (meaning “joke” in Italian), this composition is intense, emotionally charged, and full of contrast, demonstrating Chopin’s ability to redefine traditional forms.
The piece begins with a striking, turbulent introduction, characterized by rapid, stormy passages that set an urgent tone. This energetic section is punctuated by sudden changes in dynamics, which is a hallmark of Chopin’s dramatic style. As the music develops, it alternates between these stormy sections and more lyrical, serene moments, showcasing the composer’s mastery of contrasting emotions within a single work.
One of the highlights of Scherzo No. 3 is its beautiful middle section, where the storm subsides, giving way to a calm, chorale-like melody. This passage, written in D-flat major, creates a moment of respite from the previous intensity. Its lyrical quality evokes a sense of peace, often interpreted as a reflection of Chopin’s Polish heritage, particularly his deep emotional connection to his homeland.
As the piece progresses, the stormy character returns with increased intensity, leading to a powerful and technically challenging conclusion. The finale demands exceptional virtuosity from the performer, with rapid scales, arpeggios, and dynamic contrasts.
Chopin’s Scherzo No. 3 exemplifies his unique ability to blend lyrical beauty with passionate drama, making it a favorite among pianists and audiences alike. Its emotional depth and technical brilliance place it among the greatest works in the Romantic piano repertoire.
İlyun Bürkev
İlyun Bürkev (born October 17, 2008, in İzmir, Türkiye) began her musical journey at the tender age of four and has since honed her skills under the guidance of esteemed educators. She started her formal training at the Istanbul Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts State Conservatory with Prof. Burcu Aktas Urgun.
As of 2024, she is enhancing her expertise at the prestigious Mozarteum University Salzburg’s pre-college program, studying under Prof. Pavel Gililov, where she secured a first-degree position during the auditions. Bürkev’s exceptional talent has earned her accolades in various international piano competitions.
In August 2021, she showcased her prowess by performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.13 at the 18th Gümüslük International Music Festival’s finale, accompanied by the “El Ele Müzik Symphony Orchestra” and conducted by Nil Venditti. The following month, she delighted audiences with solo performances at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Sanat Merkezi Art Center in Izmir and the Türkan Saylan Kültür Merkezi Cultural Center in Istanbul.
On October 22, 2021, Bürkev once again performed Mozart’s 13th Piano Concerto, this time with the Adana Cukurova State Symphony Orchestra under Eray Inal’s direction. Her performance as a soloist on October 29, Republic Day, at the Galataport Istanbul’s opening concert with the Dogus Children Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rengim Gökmen, was memorable.
She continued her series of captivating performances with a piano recital at the Süreyya Opera House on January 16, 2022, and collaborated with state artist Gülsin Onay and Tuna Bilgin at the 17th International Bellapais Music Festival in Cyprus on April 25, 2022.
In May 2022, Bürkev performed Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the Ankara State Opera Orchestra and the Izmir State Symphony Orchestra. Her latest achievement came in January 2023, where she clinched the 3rd prize at the Jeune Chopin 3rd International Piano Competition in Lugano, Switzerland, a competition where no first place was awarded in her category.
Bürkev’s early introduction to the international music scene was marked by winning the 1st prize in the B category of the “Memorijal Jurica Murai” International Piano Competition in Varazdin, Croatia. She continued to impress with a series of first-place victories, including at the Istanbul Hisar Schools International Piano Competition.
Her accomplishments further include the 3rd prize at the Paris International Music Competition in July 2018, the 3rd prize at the Adana Rhapsody Piano Competition in April 2019, and the 1st prize at the Istanbul Pera International Piano Competition in May 2019. Additionally, she won the 1st prize in the Infantile A category of the 9th International Piano Competition María Herrero in Spain, receiving the “Special Prize for Musicality” award.
At the Chopin International Piano Competition organized by Maltepe University in Istanbul, she was honored with the 1st prize for Best Chopin Performance and Best National Piece Performance. Her continuous success in competitions, coupled with her captivating performances, underscores Bürkev’s growing prominence in the classical music world.
Sources
- Scherzo No. 3 (Chopin) on Wikipedia
- Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39 (Chopin, Frédéric) on the International Music Score Library Project website
- “Frédéric Chopin: Scherzo No. 3 in c-sharp minor, Op. 39” on the Classical Connect website
- Chopin: Scherzo No. 3 [İlyun Bürkev] - September 14, 2024
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