Harmony of melodies shining in the moonlight

Tugce Celik

Young pianist İpek Keşkek has combined classical music and mythology in her new album, "From the Moon." Drawing attention to the invisibility of women's labor, the artist says, "I want to break down both walls and perceptions with my music." With her latest album, "From the Moon," Keşkek opens a new door in the world of classical music. Bringing together four of her own compositions and performances, along with three classical pieces by Debussy, Chopin, and Satie, the artist explains, "Each of my compositions feels like part of a transformation. The moon, in particular, is a very powerful and profound symbol for me. There is no composer in the history of classical music who has not been inspired by the moon."

The album's first track, "Clair de Lune," stands out as a composition depicting moonlight, written in a poem. The second piece is a Chopin Etude, written for virtuosos with significant technical challenges. Inspired by Erik Satie's mystical atmosphere, Keşkek adds his selection to his selection, presenting his music to listeners with his unique interpretation.

CLASSICAL MUSIC IS NOT OUT OF REACH

Keskek, who says classical music is confined to certain circles, emphasizes his desire to break this perception: “Instrumental or classical music can touch everyone's emotions. But it's still presented as an inaccessible genre. I, however, try to tear down these walls with a sincere expression and build a bridge with my music.”

WOMEN'S LABOR IS NOT SEEN IN THE SECTOR

The young pianist, also addressing the structural problems in music, says, "The visibility of female musicians is still limited. This isn't an individual problem, it's a structural one. You're often remembered by titles, not by your artistry. Throughout history, women's work has been overshadowed by men's names. The example of Anna Magdalena Bach is the most striking proof of this. We cannot make women's work visible without overcoming the sexist structure in music history."

A RUPTURE THAT QUESTIONS THE SYSTEM

Each composition in "From the Moon" expresses a different emotion. Describing his piece "The Moon is Not White," Keşkek says: “The moon is magical to me. But at one point, I realized it wasn't what it seemed. Just like life, people, and even the system. In my composition, I depict the gap between appearance and reality. Just like the female figure in the red dress in The Matrix, this is a rupture that makes one question the illusion of the system.”

The album's other tracks also hint at different journeys: "Granola Mornings" depicts a pure awakening at dawn's first light. "Grey," like the moon goddesses of mythology, opens the door to uncertainty with their protective and dangerous aspects. "Madness Beginning," on the other hand, is the album's breaking point, expressing an inner overflow, the turmoil that follows silence.

Click here to listen to the album.