An evaluation of the role of melodic references and performance styles in Turkish tanbur performances, as seen through the experiences of the performers

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the formation of melodic references, which can be regarded as a form of musical allusion in Turkish music tanbur performances, and to examine how these references facilitate the transmission of Tavır among performers. The research was conducted within the framework of a qualitative research approach using a descriptive case study model. Document analysis and archival/document scanning techniques were employed in the data collection process. Within the scope of the study, performers whose performances were found to contain melodic interactions and whose chronological positions were considered suitable for tracing the transmission of Tavır were selected from among tanbur performers in the field of Turkish music instrumental performance, together with their taksim recordings, as research documents. Accordingly, taksim performances by Tanbûrî Cemil Bey, Refik Fersan, Lâikâ Karabey, İzzettin Ökte, Ercüment Batanay, Necdet Yaşar, and Murat Salim Tokaç were transcribed into notation and examined in line with Turkish music performance analysis methods. The obtained data were evaluated through content analysis and descriptive analysis techniques. The findings of the study indicate that melodic references reveal Tavır interactions between performers across both close and distant historical periods, and that the melodies themselves, together with all the technical tendencies embedded within their structures, contain significant traces regarding the transmission of Tavır. It was concluded that pitch organizations within melodies, the directionality and dynamism of rhythmic patterns forming motifs, the sections in which references are employed, and all performance characteristics observed on an instrument during the execution of these references can also be transmitted through melodic references. Furthermore, it was determined that melodic references also provide information about the period characteristics of performances. Finally, the study concludes that various Tavır features may be adopted among different performers through melodic references, and that sustained usage of these features may contribute to the formation of a particular stylistic tradition.