Chatty Pianist "Piano Rumours"

by Emir Gamsız

Add to my Calendar 28-05-2026 19:30 28-05-2026 21:30 36 Chatty Pianist "Piano Rumours" Chatty Pianist: Piano RumoursGossip, myths and scandals in classical musicby Emir Gamsız Music history is full of stories: some documented, some distorted, and some entirely invented. Works reach us carrying more than what is written in the score—controversial attributions, dubious nicknames, romantic rumours, rivalries between musicians, nationalist claims, and unreliable biographies. In this programme, Chatty Pianist Emir Gamsız explores well-known virtuoso works by nine composers, from Bach to Prokofiev, alongside the rumours that surround them. The first half of the programme focuses on post-Beethoven composers—their personal worlds, relationships, conflicts, and scandals that continue to echo today. The second half turns to two of the greatest figures in music history, Bach and Beethoven, examining the social tensions between art, the artist, and the ruling classes of wealth and power. The second half opens with the premiere of Emir Gamsız’s new piano transcription of Bach’s most famous work, the Toccata and Fugue in D minor (BWV 565). With this transcription, Gamsız joins the long line of musicians who have reimagined this organ work—whose authorship has been debated for centuries—for the piano. From scandals and composer rivalries to myths, salon gossip and Parisian cafés; from stories of imprisonment and duels to portraits of defiant artistic independence, this programme moves between documented history and inherited narratives. And in reflecting on today’s music world, the Chatty Pianist does not shy away from becoming a subject of gossip himself. This is neither a lecture nor a comedy.This is stories unfolding through a classical piano recital.This is a Chatty Pianist concert. Presented by Jeux d’Art and Educante. Wilton's Music Hall, London DD/MM/YYYY

Details

Wilton's Music Hall
Graces Alley
Whitechapel
London
E1 8JB
England

Tickets

Prices: 17.50 - 35
Booking line: 020 7702 2789
Book Tickets

Programme

Johannes BrahmsHungarian Dance in F sharp minor, WoO.1 no.5 (trans. for solo piano by Brahms)
Franz LisztGrandes études de Paganini, S.141: 5, 'La Chasse' in E major
Franz LisztConsolation no.3 in D flat major, S.172: Lento placido
Frédéric ChopinFantasy Impromptu, Op.66
Frédéric ChopinPrelude in D flat 'Raindrop', Op.28 no.15
Claude DebussyLa plus que lente, L.121
Claude DebussyChildren's Corner: 6, Cakewalk
Sergei RachmaninovPrelude in C sharp minor, Op.3 no.2
Sergey ProkofievRomeo and Juliet: Dance of the Montagues and the Capulets
~ Interval ~
Johann Sebastian BachToccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 (trans. Emir Gamsiz)
Ludwig van BeethovenPiano Sonata no.23 in F minor ‘Appassionata’, Op.57

Performers

Emir Gamsiz – Composer / Pianist

Programme Note

Chatty Pianist: Piano Rumours
Gossip, myths and scandals in classical music
by Emir Gamsız

Music history is full of stories: some documented, some distorted, and some entirely invented. Works reach us carrying more than what is written in the score—controversial attributions, dubious nicknames, romantic rumours, rivalries between musicians, nationalist claims, and unreliable biographies.

In this programme, Chatty Pianist Emir Gamsız explores well-known virtuoso works by nine composers, from Bach to Prokofiev, alongside the rumours that surround them.

The first half of the programme focuses on post-Beethoven composers—their personal worlds, relationships, conflicts, and scandals that continue to echo today. The second half turns to two of the greatest figures in music history, Bach and Beethoven, examining the social tensions between art, the artist, and the ruling classes of wealth and power.

The second half opens with the premiere of Emir Gamsız’s new piano transcription of Bach’s most famous work, the Toccata and Fugue in D minor (BWV 565). With this transcription, Gamsız joins the long line of musicians who have reimagined this organ work—whose authorship has been debated for centuries—for the piano.

From scandals and composer rivalries to myths, salon gossip and Parisian cafés; from stories of imprisonment and duels to portraits of defiant artistic independence, this programme moves between documented history and inherited narratives. And in reflecting on today’s music world, the Chatty Pianist does not shy away from becoming a subject of gossip himself.

This is neither a lecture nor a comedy.
This is stories unfolding through a classical piano recital.
This is a Chatty Pianist concert.

Presented by Jeux d’Art and Educante.

Chatty Pianist "Piano Rumours"

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