The importance of violoncello and violin solos in performed Turkish operas

As a Latin term, Opera, is revealed in Europe in the end of 14th century by various little cultural events such as festivals, rituals and wedding ceremonies. The art of Opera is entirely composed musical stage play which includes solo, choir and orchestra and inspired by history, visual arts, mythology, legends in a musical and theatrical form. In the first part of this thesis, definition of opera, emergence of opera, art of opera, first operas presented, role of violin and violoncello in orchestra and soloist functions of this two instruments is explained. And in the second part, Ottoman Empire's acquaintance of opera and first contacts before the Republican Period, the sultans' interest in western arts and opera and development process in Ottoman Empire, composers sent abroad for education and affairs with Western World, various theaters and opera houses formed in Ottoman Empire and presented operas are explained. Changes about opera art in French Revolution and reorganization period of Ottoman Empire, opera's development process in Turkey by the proclamation of the republic, Atatürk's contribution for Turkish opera, forming music institutions, operas of Turkish composers and their presenting places, with the development of opera art, how art institutions are increased and reach to today is explained. Presented Turkish operas are explained act by act with their composers' biographies and determined violin and violoncello solos in their works. Violin and cello parties of presented Turkish operas were examined. Many sources has been scanned, violin and violoncello solos in parts are objectively analyzed and which instrument is have more solos than other is determined by his research.