Beyza Yazgan's 'Human Cocoon' Reflects on Turmoil and Emotion

Pianist Beyza Yazgan, originally from Busan, Turkey, and now based in New York City, has unveiled her latest album, "Human Cocoon," which she began composing in 2023. The album is a poignant response to the devastating earthquakes that struck the border of Syria and Turkey, serving as an outlet for her "cacophony of unresolved emotions and existential questions." Yazgan's work is a rich tapestry of influences, blending elements from Middle Eastern classical music, Chopin’s Romanticism, French impressionism, American minimalism, and jazz. The album showcases a variety of musical styles and inspirations. Notable tracks include "Old Things" and "Memories," which reflect the influence of Erik Satie, while "Pasaj" offers a shimmering take on Philip Glass-style minimalism. "The Immortal Machine" channels the dynamic chaos reminiscent of Conlon Nancarrow, and exploratory solos like "All Gone (02.2023, Türkiye)" and "Cool Burning" echo Keith Jarrett’s improvisational style. Yazgan's previous work, "To Anatolia," featured innovative rearrangements of pieces by the Turkish composers known as "the Turkish five." In "Human Cocoon," she continues to draw from traditional Turkish music, incorporating maqam scales and dissonant flattened fifths, particularly evident in the haunting opening track, "Question." One of the standout pieces, "Haiku Tune," highlights Yazgan's ability to evoke deep emotion through simplicity, as she hums a major-key melody over slow piano chords. With "Human Cocoon," Yazgan not only showcases her diverse musical influences but also her profound emotional depth as an artist.