Transposition applications for the performance of folk songs in the nihavent maqam series on Dilsiz Kaval

The use of transposition in the performance of folk songs with Turkish musical instruments has become a significant area of research in recent years. Within the realm of Turkish folk music, the "dilsiz kaval" a wind instrument, also necessitates various studies on the use of transposition. Due to the structure of its pitch system, the dilsiz kaval is not particularly suitable for transposition in every maqam series. However, transposition is sometimes required due to the structure of certain maqam series or the absence of an instrument that can produce the desired tonic note at the time of performance. This research aims to identify the notations and performance conditions of folk songs in the Nihavent maqam series on the dilsiz kaval, focusing on different tonic notes. This study was conducted as a case study within the qualitative research methodology. Document analysis and interview techniques, frequently used in qualitative research, were employed for data collection. Initially, folk songs in the Nihavent maqam series within the Turkish folk music repertoire were identified. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with instructors who teach the dilsiz kaval and artists who perform with it to gather expert opinions on the application of transposition in the performance of these folk songs. A semi-structured interview form was prepared for the interviews. The sub-problems of the study were developed based on the responses given by the participants to the questions in the interview form, and conclusions were drawn accordingly. In this context, based on the results obtained from both educators and performers, it was found that folk songs in the Nihavent maqam series are most frequently performed with the dilsiz kaval using the tonic note "G" as written in the notation. It was also common to transpose the performance to the tonic notes "A" and "D", with "C" being the next most suitable tonic note for transposed performance after these three.