Karl L. Signell PhDMakam: Modal Practice In Turkish Art Music

The author, Karl Signell, spent four years studying and teaching in Turkey and the original book began as his doctoral dissertation in 1973 which made it into paperback in 1977 and has been revised several times with a digital edition in 2004.One very useful page is the pronunciation of the Turkish letters, which is quite different to English pronunciation.Signell first discusses the historical evolution of Turkish notation and the history of the music. Dealing with Classical and Contemporary music he then explains Turkish intervals in a readable and understandable way. These intervals have general rules but depending on the individual Makam and the artist playing it, these intervals might vary.The chapter on Intervalic structure gives many examples of scales and pitches along with a diagram of a Tanbur neck that has been fretted for a twenty four note octave. Tetrachords and Pentachords are well explained and how they are used to build Makam scales.The book goes on to discuss Tonal Centres, Modulation, Stereotyped Phrases and Tessitura, all these have examples and I’ve counted 114, plenty to work at.

Covers the field quite well (but I think another one is better & of more practical use - Ederer's book on lulu.com)

basically it is a really good book about turkish classical music..one of friend got it. i read that and it is so good..thats why i have been looking for this book...i would like to order if possible.....