A m i r - 4-1-2017 at 10:40 AM
Hey guys,
I hope someone can help me here with understanding how Turkish write their rhythms.
In contrast to Arabs, apparently Turks write their rhythms on two lines. Now, my first glimpse was that the intention was to have one line per
hand.
For instance it would make some sense here: 
and others from http://www.turkmusiki.com/turkmusiki%20usulleri.htm.
However, now check this site http://www.turkmuzigiusulleri.com/usul/duyek/ana%20usul, it should show the rhythm "Düyek". Now change the second drop-down from "Ana Usul" to
"Velveleli", which apparently means "varied" or something like that.
Now there are plenty more "tek"s than before and they all are on the same line. But nobody would play them all with one hand.
Watch for instance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YS7y4625XE. When he changes instruments the first time, he plays exactly this variation. But one can clearly see
that he uses both hands for the strokes. And at the end with the Darabukka he again does something else but at least he strokes "tek"s with both
hands.
So basically my question is: What are the two lines for? It can't be that one line is for "düm"s and one for "tek"s. This would be a total overkill
and also my first link proves different.
Thanks for any help!
Best regards,
Amir
AKCinBE - 2-20-2018 at 05:45 AM
I'd also like to know more about how this form of usûller notation works, if anyone has any explanations or resources to share!
Jack_Campin - 2-20-2018 at 06:30 AM
"Velvele" = English "beating", I think, in particular for the kudum (paired kettledrums). I've seen that notation in Ozkan's book. Different lines
for each drum?
adamgood - 2-20-2018 at 09:12 AM
Heads up, I'm self taught with this, never had a lesson in my life but this is what I've gathered over the years.
The notation I prefer is the two lined staff since that's what appears most in theory books.
Just as Jack suggests, think of it as two lines, on per drum like on a set of kudum:
http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN,98690/kudum.html
I'm right handed so my low drum is on the right, high drum on the left (as I'm looking at them in front of me).
In the notation, the top line is for the low drum, bottom line is for high. I've had more than one percussionist express discomfort with this but
you'll get used to it 
If you don't have drums, use the backs of your legs with your hands.
and if you're really interested in this, Ozkan's book is a must:
http://www.kitapyurdu.com/kitap/turk-musikisi-nazariyati-ve-usuller...
and btw...
http://www.turkmuzigiusulleri.com
domain seems to be down.
happy beating!
Adam
A m i r - 3-7-2018 at 09:10 AM
Okay so we agree that one line resembles one drum of the kudum.
Or one hand per line for darbuka for instance.
But then the question arises what the "ka" stroke means? Most western people see this as left-hand Tak.
However this is contradicting with this: http://eksd.org.tr/muzik_teorisi/aksaksemai_usulu.php
We just said that one line resembles one drum. As teks are on both lines and there is a ka in the rhythm, ka can't stand for left hand tak then.
On the other hand it also can't mean "tak with less accent", because in the Aksak Semai rhythm, there is a clear accent on the fourth count, which is
a ka in the above link...
Help^^