The Kanun: Brilliant Melodies and the Eternal Harmony of the Orient

The Kanun (or Qanun), a trapezoidal zither with an unparalleled beautiful sound, is a fundamental pillar in the musical traditions of the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Central Asia. Its bright and distinctive sound not only graces Turkish classical music (Türk Sanat Müziği) but is also the soul of Arab ensembles and an essential element in various musical expressions throughout centuries.

Millennia-Old Roots: The History of the Kanun

The origins of the Kanun are deeply rooted in antiquity, with traces going back to ancient civilizations in Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, even before the Christian era. It is believed to be a descendant of ancient Egyptian harps and other plucked string instruments. The name “Kanun” comes from the Greek word “kanon” or the Arabic “qanun,” meaning “law” or “rule.” This name is quite revealing, as the Kanun often acted as the instrument that “set the law” for tuning and pitch for other musicians and singers in an ensemble.

Throughout its extensive history, the Kanun has evolved, adapting to the specificities of each culture that adopted it. Although its basic structural characteristics have remained, innovations, especially during the Ottoman Empire and the 19th century, perfected its ability to execute complex maqamat (modal melodic systems) with great fluency. It was during this period that the small tuning levers were incorporated, revolutionizing the instrument’s capacity to modulate and produce microtones, an essential feature of oriental music.

A Sonic Work of Art: Construction and Characteristics

The construction of the Kanun is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The resonant body has a trapezoidal shape, usually made from high-quality woods such as walnut, maple, or pine. Over this soundbox, numerous strings are stretched, ranging from 70 to over 100, grouped in sets of two or three for each note. Traditionally, the strings were made of animal gut, but today nylon is the most common material due to its durability and stability.

The Kanun’s tonal magic is achieved through its system of bridges and levers. A main bridge, resting on fish skin patches or synthetic material, transmits the string vibrations to the instrument’s body. However, the crucial innovation lies in the mandals (tuning levers), small brass mechanisms located along the fingerboard.

These levers allow the musician to raise or lower the tuning of the strings in intervals as small as quarter-tones or even eighth-tones, an indispensable harmonic flexibility for the intricate nuances of modal music.

The Kanun is placed on the musician’s lap or on a small table. It is played with two picks (mizrap), one on each index finger, held by special rings. The technique requires a combination of finger agility to pluck the strings and precision with the left hand to quickly manipulate the mandals, creating a symphony of melodies and ornamentations.

Cultural Significance: Beyond Music

The Kanun is not just an instrument; it’s an emblem of the rich cultural heritage and musical sophistication of the regions where it flourishes. In Turkish classical music, it is indispensable in “fasıl” (ensembles) and orchestras, where its bright voice can lead melodies or provide vibrant rhythmic accompaniment. Similarly, in Arab music, the Kanun holds a central place, being a leading voice in genres like “taqsim” (instrumental improvisation) and in large orchestral ensembles.

Its distinctive timbre, which can be both delicate and powerful, allows it to infuse compositions with a melancholic quality or a joyful energy. It’s an instrument that has even been mentioned in literary works like One Thousand and One Nights, underscoring its deep roots in the cultural imagination.

Voices of the Kanun: Masters Who Left Their Mark

Throughout history, many virtuosos have elevated the Kanun to new heights, demonstrating its incredible expressive potential. Here are some of the most renowned kanun players:

· Göksel Baktagir (Turkey): Considered one of the most influential contemporary masters of the Kanun. Baktagir is known for his innovative compositions and his unique “left-hand” technique, which has expanded the instrument’s possibilities, allowing him to create more harmonic and contrapuntal sounds rarely heard before. His music fuses tradition with modern elements.

· Maya Youssef (Syria/UK): Hailed as the “Queen of the Kanun,” Maya Youssef is a virtuoso who has brought the instrument to international stages. Her deeply emotional music, often inspired by personal experiences, has been praised for its ability to transcend cultural boundaries and move audiences worldwide. Her album “Syrian Dreams” was a resounding success.

· Muhammad Abdu Saleh (Egypt): He was the legendary kanun player for the iconic Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum for decades. His mastery in improvisation and his ability to accompany the voice with sensitivity and brilliance made him a central figure in 20th-century Arab music.

· Hasan Ferit Alnar (Turkey): A prominent Turkish composer and kanun player of the 20th century. Alnar composed the first “concerto for Kanun,” elevating the instrument to a concert status and showcasing its solo capabilities in a classical format.

· Khalil Ghadri (Syria): A talented Syrian composer and kanun player who has received numerous awards for his skill in Arab improvisation. His work helps preserve and enrich the Kanun tradition in Arab music.

· Ahmet Baran (Turkey): Another contemporary Turkish virtuoso who brings the sound of the Kanun to
global festivals and audiences, demonstrating the instrument’s versatility and universal appeal.