Kanto (music) - Terminology

Terminology

Italian opera and theater had a profound effect on Turkish culture during the early 20th century. The terminology of music and theater derived from Italian. In the argot of the improvisational theater of Istanbul the stage was called "sahano", backstage was referred to as "koyuntu", backdrops depicting countryside as "bosko", the applause as "furi", and the songs sung as solos or duets between the acts and plays were called "kanto" (as was the case with their Italian counterparts, the Turkish troupe members played songs and music before the show and between the acts to peak people's interest and draw in customers). Kanto were based on traditional eastern makam but performed with western instruments.