26th Annual Student Research Conference
Haydn, Janissary Music, and the birth of the Western Symphonic Percussion Section
Harry C. Hackel♦
Dr. Michael Bump, Faculty Mentor
It is well established that the primary influence in the creation of a percussion section in the western symphonic repertoire was the music of the Turkish Janissaries. And when considering this genesis, the traditional view is that Beethovens 9th Symphony marks the arrival of the percussion section in complete form. However, Haydn was actually the first to truly incorporate a percussion section into the symphonic orchestra in his Military symphony. By examining Haydns Symphony No. 100, known as the Military symphony, this paper will show the influence of Janissary music in western symphonic literature. Specifically how Janissary or Turkish military music influenced the role of percussion in the classical and later periods. The addition of the Turkish percussion to symphonic writing marks a shift in the prominence of percussion, which will be felt through the classical and later musical periods.
Keywords: percussion, Haydn, Beethoven, Janissary
Topic(s):Music
History
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 202-3
Location: OP 2117
Time: 10:00