Cavuskoy

 Playing Chords on Saz Baglama and integrating the Rast Maqam 

Composition Background

This composition is based on the practice of the Rast Maqam. I was experimenting with the Maqam and

developed a riff from my practice sessions. From there I was able to combine the riff that I was working on with some chords 

on the Saz (another exercise).

Composition Structure

The structure of this composition combines the Saz strum section as the verse and the solo Saz work in the chorus.

It is a fairly straightforward composition structure-wise consisting of an introduction followed by 3 verse-chorus sections.

 

Composition Development

Once I was happy with my work on the Saz (chords and solo) I started to think about what combinations of instruments and rhythms would work best together. I decided to work on combining an industrial-sounding drum pattern from EZ drummer with the Arabic theme.

The drum setting creates a fascinating industrial sound, using the EZdrummer Electronic Edge kit, Apex setting.

I added a Nexus synth square wave octaved bass pattern throughout the verse and a drone-type bass pattern during the chorus.

The next stage was to layer some chords to accompany both sections. For this I used Arabic World Strings in the verse and a Nexus Classical Choir during the chorus. 

 The Saz solo sections were then complimented with the following instrumentation :-

• A flute using the "Eastern One, Nay" instrument.
• A sample of me playing the Ney.
• A Mejwiz using the "Eastern One, Mejwiz instrument".

Finally, I added a couple of sample breaks to lead into the verse section.

Reflection

Cavuskoy was the first place that I visited in Turkey, in the days before tourists were commonplace and the country retained a mainly more rural feel.

The industrial elements contrast with the gentler ethnic melody to create an interesting fusion experiment.

The Saz strumming pattern with the high frequencies boosted adds to the rhythmic elements of the composition.

It was also a fascinating exercise in using a particular Maqam and developing a composition around what had initially been practicing Maqam "scales"