Music notation software and an authentic representation of the Azerbaijani modes scales

Abstract

In contrast to equal temperament, Azerbaijani folk music is based on the 17-tone unequal temperament. But in music notation software all the operations are conducted by default in a standard 12-TET (twelve tone equal temperament) tuning system, what makes it impossible to fix Azerbaijani traditional music correctly. For the authentic representation of Azerbaijani folk music, the author proposes to use computed by him micro-tone adjustments. These adjustments were made with use of MIDI-protocols and series of Pitch Bend messages, which modify the pitch of sounds. Moreover, the adequate system of notation signs was worked out by the author. The method proposed by the author gives an opportunity to conduct researches (which are very important for musicology) and create micro-tone compositions.