The Interpretation and Understanding of Rhythm and Makam Elements in 20th Century Turkish Piano Music: Theoretical Knowledge and Performer’s Perspective

Cansu Perihan Onder

About this exposition

This study aims to present a guide to both the understanding and performance of 20th-century Turkish piano music, focusing on idiomatic stylistic features, including rhythm and makam. The research begins with a short historical context for Turkish music. Westernization and cultural transformation in Turkiye have led to a fusion of Western classical traditions and traditional Turkish elements in the music of this period. Using theoretical knowledge and performance-based methods, including experimentation and reflection, this research explores how rhythmic and makam elements are employed in 20th-century piano pieces and aims to inform performers on how they can authentically and accurately incorporate these elements into their interpretations. Additionally, interviews with selected living Turkish composers are part of the study. These interviews provide insights into the cultural impact of their works and offer recommendations for performers. This research emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and informed interpretation in performing 20th-century Turkish piano music through historical context, theoretical analysis, and performance-oriented perspectives.

type	research exposition
keywords	20th century, Turkish Music, interpretation, makam, rhythm
date	14/11/2024
published	14/07/2025
last modified	14/07/2025
status	limited publication
copyright	Cansu Perihan Önder
license	CC BY-NC-ND
language	English
url	https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/3178700/3178701
published in	KC Research Portal
portal issue	3. Internal publication

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name	logo
copyright	Royal Consevatoire The Hague
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name	Hicaz scale
copyright	https://www.klarnetpark.com/hicaz-makami/
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name	Kürdi Scale
copyright	https://www.klarnetpark.com/kurdi-makami/
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name	Hüseyni dizisi
copyright	https://www.klarnetpark.com/huseyni-makami/
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name	Koma pic 1
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name	Hicaz Scale
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name	Hüseyni Scale
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name	Hicaz
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name	Kürdi Scale
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name	Kürdi
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usages	audio

name	masal kürdi
copyright	Ahmed Adnan Saygun
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name	masal hüseyni
copyright	Ahmed Adnan Saygun
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name	masal diziler
copyright	Cansu Perihan Önder
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name	muammer sun makam scales
copyright	Muammer Sun
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name	burhan önder hüzün
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name	hüzün beginning
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name	hüzün birleşik
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name	coşku crec
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name	Coşku tetrakord
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name	re hüzzam coşu tetra
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name	coşku crec
copyright	Burhan Önder
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name	coşku hüzzam
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name	coşku repete
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name	coşku strong
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name	koma note b
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name	koma note b 4
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name	düm tek
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name	aksak meter
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name	Devr-i Turan 4+3=7
copyright	Cansu Perihan Önder
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name	Turkish Aksak 2+3=5 (1)
copyright	Cansu Perihan Önder
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name	Devr-i Hindi
copyright	Cansu Perihan Önder
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name	Müsemmen
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name	Aksak 4+5=9
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name	saygun aksak
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name	aksak 4
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name	aksak 2
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name	4+3+2+5
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name	masal 1
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name	Masal rhythmic structure
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name	masal 2
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name	horon ilhan baran
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name	3-4..5-8
copyright	Ahmet Adnan Saygun
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name	aksak 2-3
copyright	Cansu Perihan Önder
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name	horons
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name	aksak 1-1
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name	masal son (2)
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name	çoban
copyright	Ulvi Cemal Erkin
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The Interpretation and Understanding of Rhythm and Makam Elements in 20th Century Turkish Piano Music: Theoretical Knowledge and Performer’s Perspective (2025)

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