Turkish Virtuoso Aytaç Doğan: Bringing Modernity to Traditional Music
Turkish virtuoso Aytaç Doğan recently performed in Tunisia at a concert organized under the patronage of the Turkish Embassy, in partnership with the Tunisian Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Before a packed audience, he offered an eclectic repertoire. We had the opportunity to meet him and he granted us an interview.
A Modern Take on Traditional Music
La Presse — You are famous for your mastery of the kanun, a traditional instrument emblematic of Turkish music. How do you bring a touch of modernity to it? In fact, I don't play traditional Turkish music. I'm often presented that way, especially abroad. I always like to correct that I am Turkish, of course, but my playing style doesn't correspond to my country's musical tradition. I practice a more general oriental music, as well as jazz, classical music, and world music... My repertoire goes far beyond traditional music. And besides, contrary to popular belief, the kanun can fit into all musical genres. It's an instrument with enormous potential, like the piano or guitar. It finds its place in all styles. Why want to limit it to a specific repertoire?
The Kanun in Modern Music
Today, we see the kanun accompanying DJs or integrating into electronic music. Don't you think this mix denatures the instrument? On the contrary, I appreciate what these artists are doing. This debate also exists in Turkey. Each era has its musical trends. For me, the essential thing is that the musician is happy with what they're doing, that they do it well, and that the audience finds pleasure in it. I encourage all forms of novelty. You have to know how to adapt and evolve.
Attracting a Wide Audience with Instrumental Music
In your concerts, there are no singers. How do you manage to attract a large audience with only instrumental music? It's a choice I assume, even if it complicates things a bit. When a concert is announced, the first question people ask is: who will sing? It's the same everywhere in the world. It requires an extra effort from us, because we have to succeed in capturing the audience's attention without the support of a voice. But when the work is done carefully and the quality is there, the audience responds. They come to really listen to the music, to let themselves be carried away by the instruments even in the absence of singing. I also count on the participation of the spectators. They accompany us in chorus while we play certain pieces. The Tunisians, from my experience, sing remarkably well, especially the repertoires of Oum Kalthoum or Abdelwahab. During my previous concerts, I even played songs by Najat Essaghira or Angham... I found that the audience masters the lyrics and melodies by heart, which creates an exceptional atmosphere. Tunisians are open to very varied repertoires, which is rare. They really know good music.
The Impact of Technology on Music
More and more musicians are using electronic tools and even artificial intelligence to create or accompany pieces. Is this a threat to musicians? Times have changed, and this practice has spread so much that we wonder what's next. AI can produce music, but it will never equal the natural. The rendering is not the same. It's soulless, without emotion. It can please the audience, but a musician's ear immediately perceives the difference.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
You have achieved international renown, which is rare in the field of instrumental music. What advice would you give to those who want to follow the same path? You need talent. It's something innate, but which is worked on from childhood. That's why some musicians accomplish in three months what others can't do in thirty years. I have a grandson, who is also named Aytaç, and who already masters the kanun remarkably well, even though he's only seven years old. I'm convinced that a part of heredity comes into play. I've even promised his mother to personally follow his apprenticeship. The second essential point is hard work. You have to immerse yourself in music, listen to all genres, play them, until the notes are no longer just heard, but felt throughout the body. And I always believe that a part of success is due to luck. That's true for me too.
