The second solo album by Turkish pianist Emre Yavuz, Maurice Ravel: Très Franc, dedicated to Maurice Ravel, draws attention not only for its artistic depth but also for the recognition it has received in prominent European cultural media. Released under the TYXart label, the album presents Ravel’s refined and elegant works through Yavuz’s heartfelt and sincere interpretation.
A Story of Musical Transformation
Emre Yavuz describes the creation of the album as a journey of existential search and healing. After the release of his first album featuring Rachmaninoff, Yavuz suffered a hand injury that marked a turning point both physically and emotionally. However, Ravel’s music became a source of strength and direction during this difficult period. According to a symbolic narrative included in the album booklet, Yavuz imagines himself watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea from a lighthouse on the western coast of Anatolia — a moment that sparked a new creative process within. This imagined scene serves as a powerful metaphor for the artist’s personal transformation and adds depth to the album.
Praised by the European Press
The album was selected as the “Classical Album of the Week” by Luxembourg’s public cultural radio station Radio 100.7. In a program hosted by Marie Trussart and Marie Schockmel, the deep connection between Yavuz and Ravel — and the sincerity that passes through to the listener — were highlighted. The program also referenced Yavuz’s symbolic lighthouse scene, emphasizing the spiritual and musical layers it adds. Trussart noted how watching the waves helped Yavuz understand his inner world more deeply, reinforcing the album’s thematic unity.
Austria’s leading culture channel ORF Radio Ö1 featured the album on the “Vorgestellt” program on June 26, 2025. Host Katharina Hirschmann praised Yavuz’s technical mastery and the grace of his interpretation, noting his sensitive performance of works such as Jeux d’eau and Miroirs. She also emphasized the symbolism in the album cover, where Yavuz holds a mask — a conscious gesture underlining the themes of sincerity and openness.
The album was also warmly received by music critics. MusicWeb International named it Album of the Month, calling it an “unqualified triumph.” Meanwhile, Polish outlet Kulturalny Sposób featured it as Album of the Week, writing that Yavuz had created “not just a good album, but one among the best.”
Visual Language and Artistic Design
The visual storytelling of Maurice Ravel: Très Franc was carefully designed to mirror its musical structure. The special cane, resembling a jester figure and featured in the album cover and photos, was designed by Nursel Arslan specifically for the piece Alborada del Gracioso. This symbol reinforces the playful and humorous character found in Ravel’s music, strengthening the album’s artistic unity.
International Success and an Invitation to Listeners
Born in İzmir, Emre Yavuz has won numerous national and international competitions, including first prizes in Ankara and Vienna. He studied with renowned musicians such as Kamuran Gündemir, Fazıl Say, Sanem Berkalp, Karl-Heinz Kämmerling, and Arie Vardi. With this album, Yavuz further cements his distinctive voice in classical music.
Beyond Ravel’s music, Très Franc is an invitation to all music lovers who wish to witness the inner transformation of an artist.
Selected Reviews – Maurice Ravel: Très Franc
❖ MusicWeb International “This album sets a bar of excellence that will be difficult to surpass. Our only wish is that Emre Yavuz doesn’t make us wait this long for his next recording. An unqualified triumph.” 👉 Read full review
❖ Classical Music Sentinel “Unlike many pianists who opt for the artificial and theatrical in pursuit of brilliance, Emre Yavuz elegantly reveals the purpose and inner drive behind each piece.” 👉 Read full review
❖ Kulturalny Sposób “The 35-year-old Turkish pianist has produced an album that places him not just among the good, but among the very best.” 👉 Read full review
❖ ORF (Austrian Public Radio) “The pianist of Turkish origin plays with grace and refinement. His interpretation flows freely, and the water that inspired the album’s concept is tangibly present in the music.” 👉 Listen to the broadcast
❖ Falter (Vienna) “Ravel’s shimmering soundscapes and Spanish flavors meet with technical brilliance and emotional depth in Yavuz’s performance.” 👉 Read full article
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