Analysis of Ahmet Adnan Saygun's 12 Preludes on Aksak Rhythms Op. 45

One of the most valuable artists in the history of the Republic of Turkey, Ahmet Adnan Saygun, our first State Artist, is one of the pioneers of the modernization movement in the field of art in the Republican Era and left behind many beautiful musical works and written works. One of the musical works left behind by the composer is the set of 12 Preludes on Aksak Rhythms for Piano (Op.45, 1967). Prelude form entered the piano repertoire in the Romantic Era and has continued its existence until today. Especially in the Modern Era, composers have composed Preludes or Prelude Sets in different forms. What distinguishes Saygun's 12 Preludes in Aksak Rhythms for Piano from most other Preludes is the Aksak Rhythms unique to Turkish music, as is evident from the title of the set. Although Saygun's classical works are in the form of Classical Western Music, we can easily hear the influences of Turkish music. The composer frequently used Turkish music motifs and Aksak Rhythms in his works. This set of works has an important place in the repertoire of Turkish pianists as a contemporary Classical Western Music set. The universe of our research consists of the Preludes used in Classical Western Music, and the sample consists of A. A. Saygun's 12 Preludes on Aksak Rhythms. In this study, which uses descriptive research technique, we examine the importance of the related work in the contemporary music piano repertoire in terms of form, rhythm and melody, and give suggestions for performance and interpretation. The aim of our study is to analyze the works in terms of melodic, rhythmic and formal aspects so that Saygun's 12 Preludes on Aksak Rhythms, the subject of our thesis, can gain a wider place in the music world and be included in the repertoire of Turkish and world pianists. Our research consists of four main headings: Introduction, Method, Results and Conclusion. Keywords: Music, Form, Prelude, Ahmet Adnan Saygun