Esthetics Of Improvisation In Turkish Art Music Authors Karl

Esthetics Of Improvisation In Turkish Art Musicauthors Karl Signel

Esthetics of Improvisation in Turkish Art Music Author(s): Karl Signell Source: Asian Music, Vol. 5, No. ), pp. 45-49 Published by: University of Texas Press Stable URL: . Accessed: 29/01/:23 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . . JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive.

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Turkish classical music is distinguished by its profound emphasis on improvisation, a practice that serves as a vital measure of a musician’s skill, creativity, and understanding of the makam (modal system). The art of improvisation, or taksim, functions not simply as spontaneous musical expression but as a complex demonstration of technical mastery, interpretive sensitivity, and aesthetic judgment. In this paper, I explore the esthetic qualities of improvisation in Turkish art music, drawing on the salient aspects highlighted by Karl Signell, as well as broader theoretical considerations, to elucidate the core principles that define this distinctive musical tradition.

Signell’s discussion underscores that improvisation in Turkish music is judged intensely by peers, emphasizing that a performer’s interpretative ability embodies a comprehensive understanding of makam’s structural intricacies. Among these, five key characteristics are essential: intervallic structure, tessitura, melodic progression, stereotyped phrases, and modulation. Each of these aspects contributes to what makes improvisation both challenging and aesthetically compelling, and they collectively form the foundation for evaluating a performer’s artistry.

Intervallic Structure and Intonation

The Turkish makam system employs a nuanced chromatic system based on microtones—intervals smaller than the Western semitone. Manners of intonation are pivotal; technical virtuosity entails precise microtonal inflections that distinguish a valid taksim from an amateurish rendition. Signell demonstrates that deviations—whether intentional or accidental—are subject to critique, especially when performers blur the microtonal boundaries essential for authentic makam expression. For example, in the makam Umak, the characteristic interval can be rendered differently depending on stylistic context, as shown in classical versus nightclub styles, where microtonal inflections vary significantly.

Melodic Progression and Seyir

Another critical element is the seyir, or melodic progression, which guides the improviser through the makam’s tonal landscape. Signell notes that a performer must emphasize specific tonal centers in correct sequence; failure to do so results in a loss of makam identity. For instance, the makam Pen Gah exhibits a progression centered on the fifth degree. A deviation, such as lingering on the third degree, can distort the perceived seyir, undermining the improvisation’s authenticity. The importance of correct emphasis and sequence illustrates how the improviser’s interpretive fidelity to tradition serves as a key evaluative criterion.

Tessitura and Pitch Level

Similar to the importance of intervallic accuracy, tessitura—or the relative pitch height of a makam—serves as an essential discriminant. Signell discusses the differentiation between makam-s such as Hicazker and Muhayyerker, which, although sharing similar structures, differ primarily in their pitch levels. Mishandling tessitura, such as transposing a makam incorrectly, disrupts the cohesive melodic flow and diminishes the listener’s perceptual continuity. Performance errors in tessitura, as exemplified by the misapplication of a makam during a recording, often provoke criticism from seasoned musicians.

Shape, Imitation, and Stereotyped Phrases

Improvists are expected to balance originality with recognition of canonical motifs. Signell emphasizes that while familiarity with stereotyped phrases is necessary, the true mastery involves creating expressive, succinct, and often innovative motifs. When a performer relies too heavily on clichés, listeners may become bored; however, when originality emerges—such as an unexpected cadential phrase—impressed audiences express their approval. The integration or borrowing of phrases from other musicians is viewed as a mark of respect and skill, exemplifying how improvisation is both an individual and communal art form.

Modulation and Witty Transitions

Post-establishment of a makam, improvisers often modulate to other makam-s, a process requiring both technical dexterity and artistic finesse. Signell illustrates that deliberate or witty modulations—such as using a pivot tone to transition between makam-s—are highly appreciated. Such modulations demonstrate an improviser’s deep understanding of modal relationships and their ability to craft a seamless, expressive musical narrative. Masterful modulation is considered a hallmark of high competence and nuanced artistry in Turkish improvisation.

Additional Aesthetic Considerations

Beyond these core structural elements, other aesthetic qualities—such as tension and resolution, proportional phrasing, instrument idiomaticity, and rhythmic interest—also influence a performer’s assessment. Although these are less formally codified than the structural aspects, they contribute significantly to the overall impression of an improvisation. Listening closely to performances reveals that successful taksim balances these various factors to produce a cohesive, emotionally compelling presentation.

Conclusion

In essence, the esthetic evaluation of improvisation in Turkish art music hinges on a complex interplay of technical precision, interpretive insight, and creative originality. The detailed structural criteria—intervallic accuracy, correct melodic progression, appropriate tessitura, recognition of stereotyped motifs, and skillful modulation—serve as the scaffolding for musical excellence. Yet, individual expressiveness and subtle artistic choices elevate performance from mere technical exercise to high art. This tradition, rooted deeply in communal appreciation and rigorous discipline, continues to uphold its values in contemporary practice, embodying a resilient and sophisticated musical culture.

References

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