Is there anything distinctively "Mevlevi" about Mevlevi music?

Although similar in many ways to Classical Turkish music (Klâsik Türk müziği, Türk sanat mûsikîsi, Osmanlı Saray müziği), music of the Mevlevi ritual differs in other ways. Some differences are easily observable, even to the nonspecialist. Other differences are more subtle. See also "extramusical"page.

The ney holds a position of honor among the Mevlevi. It is only one instrument among many equals in the Classical ensemble.

The lengthy Mevlevi ney improvisation is an important movement in its own right. Instrumental improvisations in Classical concerts are much shorter and less important.

Mevlevi vs. Classical: some differences, similarities

   

Mevlevi

 

Classical

Poetry language

 

Persian

 

Ottoman Turkish

Poetry author(s)

 

Rumi

 

[varied]

Extramusical

 

Procession, whirling, silence

 

[minimal?]

Instruments

 

Ney, kudüm, cymbals (halile), optional classical instruments

 

Tanbur, ney, kemençe, violin, kanun, ud, etc.

Improvisation

 

Extensive introductory taksim, no modulating taksims

 

Brief introductory & modulating taksims

Makam/seyir

 

[No difference]

Usul

 

Embellished, limited variety

 

Unembellished, wide variety

Compound form

 

Ayin/mukabele

 

Fasıl

Compound form usul sequence

 

Idiosyncratic sequence

 

Progresses from long/slow to short/fast

 

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