Music of the Middle East

🎵Music of the Middle East Unit 8 – Turkish Classical Music

Turkish classical music, born in the Ottoman Empire, blends Arabic, Persian, and Byzantine influences. It flourished in royal courts and religious institutions, reaching its peak in the 16th-17th centuries. The genre continues to evolve, balancing tradition with modern influences. Characterized by monophonic textures and the makam modal system, Turkish classical music features unique instruments like the ney and tanbur. Improvisation plays a key role, with musicians showcasing their skills through taksim solos and fasıl suites.

Historical Context

  • Turkish classical music emerged during the Ottoman Empire period (13th-20th centuries)
  • Influenced by various musical traditions including Arabic, Persian, and Byzantine
    • Assimilated elements from these cultures to create a distinct Turkish musical style
  • Developed in the royal courts and religious institutions of the Ottoman Empire
    • Patronage from sultans and aristocrats played a crucial role in its evolution
  • Reached its peak during the 16th and 17th centuries known as the "Golden Age" of Ottoman culture
  • Underwent significant changes and reforms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
    • Influenced by Western classical music and modernization efforts in Turkey
  • Continues to be performed and studied as a living tradition in contemporary Turkey

Key Characteristics

  • Monophonic texture with a single melodic line and no harmonies
  • Melodic structure based on the makam system (a set of melodic rules and conventions)
  • Rhythmic structure based on usul patterns (cyclical rhythmic patterns)
  • Improvisation plays a significant role in performances
    • Musicians demonstrate their skill and creativity through taksim (improvised solo sections)
  • Vocal music is prominent featuring poetic lyrics in Ottoman Turkish or Persian
  • Instrumental music includes both solo and ensemble performances
  • Compositions are often structured in suites called fasıl consisting of several pieces in the same makam

Instruments and Ensembles

  • Ney: End-blown reed flute associated with Sufi music and spirituality
  • Tanbur: Long-necked plucked lute central to the performance of Turkish classical music
  • Kemençe: Bowed string instrument with a small bowl-shaped body and a long neck
  • Ud: Short-necked plucked lute with a pear-shaped body
  • Kanun: Plucked zither with a trapezoidal soundboard and many strings
  • Kudüm: Small paired kettledrums used to maintain the rhythmic cycle (usul)
  • Ensembles typically include a combination of these instruments
    • May also feature vocalists and other percussion instruments like the def (frame drum)
  • Makam refers to a set of melodic rules and conventions governing the composition and performance of Turkish classical music
  • Each makam has a unique melodic progression, specific notes, and microtonal intervals
    • Microtonal intervals are smaller than the semitones used in Western music
  • There are hundreds of makams each with its own name and character (Rast, Hicaz, Segah, etc.)
  • Makams are associated with specific emotions, times of day, and seasons
  • Compositions in a particular makam adhere to its melodic rules and conventions
    • Musicians must learn and internalize these rules to perform and improvise effectively

Rhythmic Patterns (Usul)

  • Usul refers to the cyclical rhythmic patterns used in Turkish classical music
  • Each usul has a specific number of beats and an arrangement of long and short strokes
    • Long strokes are represented by the syllable "düm" and short strokes by "tek"
  • Usul patterns range from simple two-beat cycles to complex patterns with 48 or more beats
  • Some common usul patterns include Düyek (8 beats), Sofyan (4 beats), and Aksak (9 beats)
  • The kudüm player maintains the usul throughout the performance
    • Other instruments and vocalists follow and emphasize the rhythmic pattern

Notable Composers and Performers

  • Dimitrie Cantemir (1673-1723): Moldavian prince, scholar, and composer who wrote the first comprehensive treatise on Turkish music theory
  • Hammamizade İsmail Dede Efendi (1778-1846): Prolific composer considered one of the greatest masters of Turkish classical music
    • Composed over 500 works in various forms and makams
  • Tanburi Cemil Bey (1873-1916): Virtuoso tanbur player and composer who pushed the boundaries of the instrument's technique
  • Münir Nurettin Selçuk (1901-1981): Renowned vocalist and composer who played a key role in preserving and promoting Turkish classical music in the 20th century
  • Udi Hrant (1901-1978): Armenian-Turkish oud virtuoso known for his innovative playing style and improvisational skills

Influence on Modern Turkish Music

  • Turkish classical music has had a significant impact on various genres of modern Turkish music
  • Arabesk music, popular in the 1960s and 1970s, drew heavily from Turkish classical music
    • Incorporated elements of makam and usul into a more accessible and emotionally charged style
  • Turkish folk music has also been influenced by classical traditions
    • Many folk songs are based on makam scales and feature similar melodic progressions
  • Contemporary Turkish composers have sought to combine elements of Turkish classical music with Western classical and popular music
    • Creating fusion genres that bridge traditional and modern musical languages

Cultural Significance

  • Turkish classical music is deeply intertwined with Turkish cultural identity and history
  • Reflects the multicultural nature of the Ottoman Empire and its legacy
    • Incorporates elements from various musical traditions across the Middle East and beyond
  • Closely associated with Sufism and the Mevlevi order founded by Rumi
    • Many compositions have spiritual and mystical themes
  • Serves as a symbol of cultural continuity and resilience
    • Survived political and social upheavals throughout Turkish history
  • Continues to be taught in conservatories and performed in concert halls, cultural centers, and religious settings
  • Recognized by UNESCO as part of Turkey's Intangible Cultural Heritage


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.