Within the Sema ceremony, music brought the Mevlevi followers closer to God in return for “surrendering one’s individual identity” (Textbook). The small chants in their native language and fast spinning of oneself made it look like the followers were making faster progression to stand by God’s side. The drums, especially, gave that slow but intense feeling of submission to God. In the dance, the Mevlevi followers were obtaining the blessing given by God in their right hand and made it look like the power received was transmitted down to Earth on their left hand. In a way, this can be seen as positive because everyone is benefitting, meaning the Mevlevis were able to become one with God while sharing the gift they received with the very world we live in.
On the other hand, the role of music in the Sema ceremony can be compared to that of the gospel music in “Amazing Grace”. Within “Amazing Grace”, music emphasized the value of life given by God. Even though the overall message of the music is somewhat positive, it is actually displayed in a rather negative way when seen by the audience. The music is being displayed in funerals, 9/11 attack in NYC or even in the “Trail of Tears” march (Textbook). This music is being associated with negative/largely impactful events in history rather than how the Sema ceremony is seen as more “innocent” and “peaceful”. In the “Amazing Grace” you can hear a chorus in the background singing the same lines as the main singer while the Sema ceremony is more instrumental focused rather than one’s voice involved.
Cornelius Steven, and Mary Natvig. Music: A Social Experience. Routledge, 2019
