Mugham-makam melodies used in 20th century symphonic music works of Azerbaijan and Turkey

During music history, seeking the musical essence has always been a common characteristic for almost every composer. Many of them find their way with researching and learning the techniques that were specified by composers from Classical, Baroque, Romantic Era and other periods. However, some composers preferred feeding from their own folk music and using them in their own works. Especially with the Nationalism movement to be among the 20th Century Contemporary Music Movements, producing works in which the national spirit comes to the fore became a characteristic feature for many European composers. As the Eastern folk music is known for its richness and multifarious layers, this tradition can be encountered also in some works of Eastern composers. In this study, it is investigated two countries quite versed in traditional music- which are Turkey and Azerbaijan in terms of using folkloric elements such as makams and mughams in Western Music techniques. The basic reasons for selecting these two countries are common historical background and similarities of cultural productivity. Makam and mugham experience is one of the most important similarities. Starting from the beginning of the XX. century due to the warm approach towards Western Music techniques of composers from both countries, make them think about synthesis of folk music with these techniques. The works that were created with new and different melodies especially for "Western" audiences have been appreciated by many. In this study it is focused on 4 works that have these kinds of features. In this scope; the pieces called Scherzo after "Itrî's Neva Kâr" by Necil Kazim Akses, Shur Symphonic Mugham by Fikret Amirov, Köçekçe by Ulvi Cemal Erkin and Rast by Niyazi Tagizade are investigated it terms of using makam and mugham elements.