The music of Southeastern Europe, sometimes characterised by complex rhythm, is a type of music distinct to others in Europe. This is mainly because it was influenced by the Ottoman Empire and also by the relatively common culture of these countries. Despite these, there are some differences among the region - the music of the Western Balkans (Serbia, Macedonia, etc) is more Slavic-influences, whereas the Music of Romania has more Latin influences, making it similar to that of Italy or Spain. The Music of Southeastern Europe, however, is quite significantly different to that the music of Eastern Europe, which includes the Slavic states of the former USSR. The latter was more influenced by Kievan Rus and the Slavic culture and, in recent times, the USSR, than the former.

Musical influence

Ottoman music

Main articles: Ottoman music

Dimitrie Cantemir was a composer of Ottoman music.

Many Musical instruments were introduced to the Balkans during the times of Ottoman control. Some examples include:

• The Ottoman "Baglama Saz" was transformed into the Bulgarian "Tambura"
• The Ney and other forms of Turkish Kavals --> Bulgarian "Kaval"
• The Kemence --> Bulgarian "Gadulka"

etc...

See also

• Music of Albania
• Music of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Music of Bulgaria
• Music of Croatia
• Music of Greece
• Music of Macedonia
• Music of Moldova
• Music of Romania
• Music of Serbia and Montenegro
• Music of Slovenia

see also:

• klezmer (Eastern Europian Jewish Music)
• Roma music ("Gypsy" music)