8.3 Turkish Classical Forms: Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Turkish classical music features distinct instrumental and vocal forms. and saz semaisi are structured compositions, while allows for . These forms showcase the intricacies of makams and usuls in Turkish music.
Vocal forms like and express themes of love and mysticism. The suite combines various forms into a cohesive performance, exploring a single through composed and improvised sections, creating a rich musical experience.
Instrumental Forms
Peşrev and Saz Semaisi
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- Peşrev is a compositional form featuring several hanes (sections) and a (refrain) played between each
- Follows a specific sequence starting with the first hane, then teslim, second hane, teslim, third hane, teslim, and fourth hane
- Saz semaisi is a compositional form similar to peşrev but typically longer and more complex
- Saz semaisi usually consists of four hanes and teslims, often in a faster tempo compared to peşrev (ex. Aksak Semai )
Taksim
- Taksim is a form of instrumental improvisation that explores a specific makam (melodic mode)
- Allows the performer to showcase their creativity and virtuosity within the framework of the chosen makam
- Often serves as an introduction to a composition or as a transitional piece between different works in a fasıl suite
- Demonstrates the performer's ability to create melodic phrases, modulate between related makams, and build tension and release
Vocal Forms
Şarkı and Gazel
- Şarkı is a vocal composition featuring a repeating refrain () alternating with verses () set to a particular usul
- Verses in şarkı often express themes of love, longing, and the beauty of nature
- Gazel is a vocal form based on Ottoman Divan poetry, typically dealing with themes of love and mysticism
- Gazel compositions usually consist of several couplets (beyit) set to a specific makam and usul
Terennüm
- is a vocal featuring syllabic vocalizations or words expressing emotions or conveying the mood of the makam
- Often used as a transitional passage between different sections of a vocal composition
- Allows the singer to demonstrate their vocal agility and emotional expression
- Can include techniques such as melismatic passages, ornamentation, and improvisation within the framework of the makam
Fasıl Suite Structure
Fasıl Suite Overview
- Fasıl is a suite form that brings together a sequence of instrumental and vocal pieces composed in the same makam
- Typically begins with an instrumental taksim followed by a peşrev, then alternates between vocal and instrumental forms
- Provides a comprehensive exploration of a specific makam, showcasing its unique characteristics and emotional qualities
- Allows for a balance between composed pieces and improvised sections, creating a dynamic and engaging musical experience
Usul and Meyan
- Usul refers to the rhythmic modes used in Turkish classical music, each with a specific pattern of strong and weak beats
- Compositions within a fasıl suite are set to various usul, adding rhythmic diversity and complexity to the overall structure
- is a transitional section within a composition that modulates to a different makam, often a more distant or contrasting one
- Meyan sections serve to create tension and interest, showcasing the composer's skill in navigating between different makams
- After the meyan, the composition typically returns to the original makam, providing a sense of resolution and completeness
Key Terms to Review (26)
Asymmetrical rhythms: Asymmetrical rhythms refer to rhythmic patterns that do not fit into traditional, uniform groupings, creating irregularity in the beat structure. This concept is particularly significant in Middle Eastern music, where such rhythms are often employed to enhance expressiveness and complexity. Asymmetrical rhythms can be found in various forms of Turkish classical music, contributing to their unique character and distinct musical identity.
Beyit: Beyit refers to a couplet or a two-line stanza commonly found in Turkish poetry and music, especially within the context of classical forms. It serves as a significant building block in musical compositions, particularly in the structure of Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil. The use of beyit helps to create lyrical depth and enhances the thematic elements of the works it appears in, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Turkish classical music.
Celebration: Celebration refers to a joyful event or gathering that acknowledges a significant occasion, often marked by rituals, music, and social interactions. In the context of traditional music, celebrations are closely tied to cultural expressions and community bonds, often featuring specific musical forms that reflect the values and history of the society.
Fasıl: Fasıl is a traditional Turkish musical form that consists of a suite of pieces performed in a specific order, showcasing various instrumental and vocal styles. It serves as a significant structure within Turkish classical music, typically featuring a combination of different melodies and improvisations, often based on a particular makam, or mode. This form allows musicians to explore and express the intricacies of Turkish music while creating an engaging performance experience for the audience.
Gazel: A gazel is a poetic form and musical genre that originated in Persian literature and has been adapted in Turkish classical music. This form typically expresses themes of love, longing, and mysticism, often featuring a lyrical structure that allows for emotional expression through improvisation. The gazel's influence extends to various traditional forms, making it integral to the rich tapestry of Turkish classical music, particularly in performances of Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil.
Hane: Hane is a Turkish musical term that refers to a specific melodic motif or phrase that serves as a pivotal element within various forms of Turkish classical music. It often plays a crucial role in establishing the mood and character of a piece, providing thematic material that is developed throughout a composition. This concept is integral to the structural framework of forms like Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil, where hane motifs are elaborated and varied.
Improvisation: Improvisation is the spontaneous creation of music in real-time, allowing musicians to express creativity and individuality within established musical structures. It plays a significant role in various musical traditions, where artists respond to the rhythms, melodies, and emotional content of a piece, adding their own interpretations and variations.
Kanun: The kanun is a traditional Middle Eastern stringed musical instrument that is played by plucking the strings with fingers or plectra. It is an essential part of various musical traditions across the region, providing both melody and harmony, and it has a unique sound that blends beautifully with other instruments. Its role can vary widely, from being featured in solo performances to complementing orchestras in classical forms, and it often accompanies folk dances with its captivating melodies.
Makam: Makam is a system of musical modes used in the music of the Middle East, characterized by specific intervals and emotional expressions. It serves as the foundation for melody in both Turkish and Arab music traditions, influencing how music is composed and performed in the region. Each makam has a unique identity, often associated with specific moods and times of day, making it essential to understanding the diverse musical landscapes across cultures.
Mevlevi Order: The Mevlevi Order is a Sufi religious order founded in the 13th century by the followers of the Persian poet Rumi, who is known for his profound spiritual teachings and poetry. This order is famous for its practice of whirling as a form of active meditation and its unique musical traditions, which play a significant role in Sufi rituals and Turkish classical music.
Meyan: Meyan is a fundamental concept in Turkish classical music, referring to the melodic framework or mode within which a piece is composed. It serves as the basis for improvisation and composition in various forms, including Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil. The meyan is not just about the scale but embodies the emotional and aesthetic qualities that dictate how musicians express themselves within these forms.
Modal structures: Modal structures refer to the organization of musical systems based on modes, which are specific scales with distinct intervals and characteristic patterns. In the context of certain musical traditions, including Turkish classical music, these modal structures provide a framework for composition and improvisation, influencing the emotional and aesthetic qualities of the music. Understanding modal structures is crucial for appreciating the nuances of forms like Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil.
Movement: In the context of Turkish classical music, movement refers to a distinct section within a larger musical form, characterized by its specific tempo, rhythm, and mood. Each movement serves as a building block in compositions like pesrev, saz semai, and fasil, showcasing variations in melody and instrumentation while adhering to traditional structures. Understanding movement is crucial for appreciating the complexity and artistry of Turkish classical forms.
Nakarat: Nakarat refers to the refrain or repeated section in Turkish classical music, often found in forms such as Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil. It serves as a structural element that provides cohesion and continuity within a composition, typically contrasting with the varying sections known as the 'giriş' or 'main theme'. The presence of the nakarat enhances the listener's experience by creating memorable moments that are revisited throughout the performance.
Ney: The ney is a traditional Middle Eastern wind instrument made of cane, characterized by its simple yet elegant design and rich, soulful sound. This instrument plays a significant role in various musical traditions across the Middle East, particularly in genres like Sufi music and classical Arabic compositions.
Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire was a significant Islamic empire that spanned from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, encompassing parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This empire had a profound impact on the development of music in the Middle East and shaped cultural exchanges between diverse regions, influencing various musical traditions.
Oud: The oud is a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument that resembles a lute and is known for its pear-shaped body, short neck, and lack of frets. It plays a crucial role in various musical styles across the region, serving as a fundamental instrument for both improvisation and composition.
Peşrev: A peşrev is an instrumental composition that serves as an introduction to a larger suite in Turkish classical music. It typically features a structured melodic and rhythmic framework, showcasing the unique modalities and ornamentation characteristic of Turkish music. Peşrevs play a crucial role in establishing the mood and context for performances, often serving as a prelude to more complex forms like the fasil.
şarkı: Şarkı refers to a traditional Turkish vocal genre characterized by its lyrical nature and often poetic texts, typically performed in a rich melodic style. It serves as a central element within various classical music forms, showcasing the emotional depth and storytelling inherent in Turkish music, making it an important aspect of the cultural heritage.
Saz semai: Saz semai is a traditional Turkish instrumental form characterized by its distinct melodic structure and rhythmic patterns, typically played on instruments such as the saz, which is a long-necked lute. It serves as an important musical form within Turkish classical music, often acting as an introductory piece that sets the stage for subsequent performances, particularly in larger suites called fasil. The saz semai consists of a specific arrangement of sections, showcasing both improvisational elements and structured melodies that highlight the nuances of Turkish musical expression.
Section: In music, a section refers to a distinct part of a composition that has its own characteristics, structure, and thematic material. Sections are used to organize and differentiate various parts of a piece, allowing for the development of musical ideas and contrasting elements within the overall form. In the context of specific forms like Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil, sections play a crucial role in establishing the flow and structure of each composition.
Taksim: Taksim refers to a form of instrumental improvisation in Middle Eastern music, particularly within the contexts of Arab and Turkish classical traditions. This technique allows musicians to showcase their virtuosity and express emotional depth, often serving as an introduction to a larger composition or performance, and is characterized by its free rhythm and melodic development.
Tanburi cemil bey: Tanburi Cemil Bey was a prominent Turkish composer, musician, and virtuoso of the tanbur, an important string instrument in Turkish classical music. His contributions significantly shaped the development of various classical forms and left a lasting legacy in Turkish music, particularly through his unique compositions and interpretations.
Terennüm: Terennüm is a style of improvisation in Turkish classical music, characterized by a free, expressive, and often ornamented melodic line. It serves as a vital component in the performance of various forms, allowing musicians to showcase their technical prowess and emotional depth. This practice is particularly important in forms like Pesrev, Saz Semai, and Fasil, where terennüm can enhance the overall aesthetic and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Teslim: Teslim refers to a specific compositional and improvisational element in Turkish classical music, often found in forms such as pesrev, saz semai, and fasil. It embodies the idea of surrendering to the musical flow and the interplay between performers, which enhances the overall expressiveness of the music. This concept is crucial for understanding how musicians engage with each other and the audience, allowing for a spontaneous yet structured performance that reflects the depth of Turkish classical traditions.
Usul: Usul refers to the complex rhythmic patterns used in Middle Eastern music, which serve as the foundation for musical composition and performance. These rhythmic cycles are integral to the overall structure and flow of music, allowing musicians to express creativity within a framework that is culturally significant.