🎵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.
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)
Modal System (Makam)
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