segah

Segah (Turkish: Segâh) is a traditional makam in the Turkish classical music system, used in both Ottoman court music and modern Turkish art music. As a melodic mode, Segah denotes a defined tonal color and a characteristic set of melodic phrases that guide improvisation and composition within the makam’s rules. It is commonly employed for vocal and instrumental music and is considered one of the core makams in the repertoire.

Musical characteristics and practice: Segah is associated with a distinctive melodic color created through a combination of fixed pitches, inflections, and microtonal ornaments that give the mode its identifiable atmosphere. Performances in Segah often feature a lyrical, contemplative character and may include taksim (improvised exploration) as well as composed pieces. The mode typically emphasizes certain scale degrees and cadential patterns that shape its forward motion and return to the final resting tone.

Repertoire and usage: Segah appears across a wide range of Turkish classical works, from instrumental pesrev and saz pieces to vocal pieces in traditional repertoires. It is regarded as versatile, suitable for both slow and moderately paced tempos, and serves as a foundational makam for students and practitioners of Turkish music.

History and context: The Segah tradition emerged within the broader makam system of Anatolian and Ottoman music, evolving through medieval and early modern periods. It remains a staple in contemporary performances and is taught in conservatories and by traditional émigré musicians, preserving the characteristic melodic language of the Segah mode.