An analysis of the musical characteristics of Alâeddin Yavaşca's saz semâîs

The aim of this study is to examine Alaeddin Yavaşca's compositional style and to analyze his saz semai works in terms of their musical characteristics. Saz semai is a significant instrumental form in Turkish Classical Music, particularly noted for its rhythmic structure. The study analyzes the makam characteristics, melodic structures, rhythmic patterns (usul), and general musical features of the composer's saz semai compositions. As part of the qualitative research methods, literature review and document analysis were employed. The data of the study consist of 18 saz semai compositions by Prof. Dr. Alaeddin Yavaşca, archived by TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation). The sheet music obtained from the TRT archive served as the primary data source, and document analysis was used in the evaluation process. As a result of the study, it was determined that the composer maintained a strong adherence to classical form, achieved coherence in melodic flow, and exhibited richness in makam usage. These elements were identified as the fundamental components of Alaeddin Yavaşca's musical identity.