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

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)

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