Thomas Mikosch

Makamlar: The Musical Scales of Turkey Thomas Mikosch

Thomas Mikosch's reference book "Makamlar: The Musical Scales of Turkey" is the first systematic presentation of the scales and modes (makamlar) used in Turkish art music in English language. It includes the historical background, which can be traced from the Ottoman Empire through Arabia and Persia back to ancient Greece, a comprehensive explanation of the Turkish comma system and the notation used in Turkish music, and an analysis of over 50 different makamlar, their transpositions and modulations. There are even references to Arabic and Persian music as well as to how makamlar are being used in Romani music. It also describes the discrepancies between the music as it was performed in Ottoman times and how it is notated today.