Pioneers of Western Classical Music in Turkey: Turkish Five

The history and culture of Turkish music date back to ancient times. In this country, a very sophisticated and high-quality music taste has emerged. Many artists played a role in the formation of this taste and music culture and in introducing new styles to society. Classical Western Music has also become a value that this country has gained thanks to such devoted artists.

Turkish Five aimed to use the colors of classical Turkish music and Turkish folk music within the structure of Western Music. After the foundation of the Republic in 1923, many talented musicians were sent abroad as a result of nationalist cultural and educational policies. These names, called the Turkish Fives, are the names that took part in this movement that aimed to bring Turkish music to the universal level. The Turkish five, consisting of composers and writers who have supported Turkey’s development in literature and culture with the works they produced during the first periods of the Republic. They generally emphasize the importance of western music.

Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Cemal Reşit Rey, Ahmet Adnan Saygun, Hasan Ferit Anlar and Necip Kazım Akses are famous composers known as Turkish quintets.

Cemal Resit Rey

Cemal Reşit Rey started teaching at the Istanbul Conservatory as soon as the Republic was proclaimed. He was interested in French culture. He studied composition and orchestra in France. He is one of the most successful and popular artists in Turkey.

Ulvi Cemal Erkin

He is known for his compositions arranged in the form of traditional dance music. His family also made music. His interest in music probably came from his family.

Hasan Ferit Anlar

Anlar's family, who was inclined to traditional music from an early age, also dealt with traditional music. Hasan Ferit Anlar wanted very much to play the zither. For this reason, he received training from private teachers. In addition to being known as the person who wrote the first concerto in the world, he was sent to Vienna and trained there.

Ahmet Adnan Saygun

Saygun’s talent for music was discovered when he was only ten years old. He was educated in Paris. He sang Yunus Emre Oratorio in Paris in 1947 and became Turkey’s source of pride.

Necip Fazil Akses

Having studied in Vienna, Akses' works are mostly on the piano. He was successful in miniature art too.