Konservatoryum (Jun 2024)
Muhlis Sabahattin Ezgi and the Turkish Operettas of the Republican Era: Ayşe Opereti
Abstract
The Ayşe Opereti [Aisha Operetta] is one of the most popular works among the operettas of Muhlis Sabahattin Ezgi, who holds the identity of being a significant composer in the history of Turkish music. During the times when it was staged, Ayşe Opereti was met with considerable interest and appreciation by the public, earning its place among the significant operettas of the Republican Era. Ayşe Opereti was included in the repertoire of the State Opera and Ballet for the first time during the 2018-2019 season, being staged by the Ankara State Opera and Ballet in 2019. The aim of this research is to provide information about the life and works of Muhlis Sabahattin Ezgi as an important representative of Turkish operetta history, to examine the musical features of Ayşe Opereti that he wrote and composed, and to reveal its contribution to the Turkish operetta literature. This descriptive research was prepared using the case study model and obtained its data through a literature review by searching the relevant theses, articles, books, library archives, audio-visual archives, and personal archives. The article also examines the documents necessary for compiling findings related to the subject. As a result, the research has found Muhlis Sabahattin Ezgi to be a significant Turkish operetta composer who synthesized Turkish music maqams and rhythms with Western musical techniques. In addition, the study has found within the context of the development of operettas, particularly following the proclamation of the Republic, that Muhlis Sabahattin Ezgi’s Ayşe Opereti stands as one of the earliest examples of works produced utilizing Turkish music. The study also finds this work, which has gained popularity among the Turkish public, to possess both modal and tonal characteristics.
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