Analysis of the Opera Kerem by Akhmet Adnan Saygun

• Published in: Vìsnik Kiïvsʹkogo nacìonalʹnogo unìversitetu kulʹturi ì mistectv. Serìâ: Muzične mistectvo Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 11 - 20
• Main Author: Asadova, Aysel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: KNUKiM Publishing Centre 04-06-2021
• Subjects: basics of folk music; modal structure; mystic; opera; polytonal style
• ISSN: 2616-7581; 2617-4030
• DOI: 10.31866/2616-7581.4.1.2021.233334

The article analyzes the musical language of the opera Kerem by A. Adnan Saygun. Ahmet Adnan Saygun was born during the Ottoman period and lived in the newly created Republic of Turkey. Saygun is one of the founders of the Turkish School of Composing, as well as one of the founders of the Turkish Five. The composer paid great attention to folk art and national values. You can always see folk music and folklore in his works.
The purpose of the research is to analyze Sufi motives in the scenes of the opera. Mainly, the attention is paid to musical drama and harmonic aspects of the opera, which directly reflect Turkish folklore and musical culture in general.
The research methodology lies in solving a scientific and theoretical problem. A number of theoretical and analytical methods have been applied, highlighting the principle of using a literary text in musical scenes that contain phrases that reflect “reunification with the Creator” in Sufism. The use of characteristic rhythmic patterns in mystical scenes, when searching for information, the methods of the axiological concept of culture were used, which made it possible to highlight the characteristic features of Turkish music.
The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time the reflection of religious characteristics based on folk music, in particular, based on modal structures and maqams, analysis of the mystical motives of the opera, in combination with modern musical techniques is considered.
Conclusions. Saigun’s opera Kerem is one of the rare works based on Sufi philosophy. A clear reflection of the main thought of Sufi philosophy was noted in Kerem, according to which the suffering of the seeker of truth is marked by a return to it. The way of light is the way of Allah. The composer, to show the unique colour and character of Anatolia, the life and customs of people, used the fret and rhythmic structure characteristic of Turkish music. As a result of the study, we see how in Kerem the author enthusiastically and passionately works on national values in all aspects of the opera.