A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Turkish Music

by George Grove

TURKISH MUSIC (Türkische, or ^[1]Janitscharen musik; Ital. Banda turca). The accepted term for the noisy percussion instruments—big-drum, cymbals, triangle—in the orchestra. The most classical instance of its use is in the brilliant second number of the Finale to the Choral Symphony, alla marcia. There, and in the last chorus of all, Beethoven has added 'Triangolo,' 'Cinelli,' and 'Gran Tamburo,' to the score; and these noisy additions were evidently part of his original conception, since they are mentioned in an early memorandum, long before the vocal part of the symphony had assumed at all its present shape. In the autograph of the Dervish Chorus in the Ruins of Athens, which is scored for horns, trumpets, and alto and bass trombone, in addition to the usual strings, he has made a memorandum that 'all possible noisy instruments, such as castanets, bells, etc.,' should be added.

[ G. ]

1. That is, 'Jannisary.'