DESCRIPTION:
TURKISH WAR OF INDEPENDENCE - SYMPHONIC SUITE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J_MHVgHPZA

''Vienna developed into a cultural center in the early 18th century and the fascination with Turkish culture worked its way into plays and operas.'' [Edward J. Hines, American composer]

"Cafes began serving Turkish coffee in Vienna, and Turkish dress became fashionable at social events. The harbinger of war became the music of the people. Haydn wrote his Military Symphony, and Mozart composed the popular piano sonata Rondo Alla Turca under the influence of this music. Mozart also employed Turkish instruments in the opera 'The Abduction From the Seraglio', while Beethoven used Mehter-style big drums in his Ninth Symphony. Cymbals, timpani drums and bells left behind by the retreating Ottoman armies were modified and incorporated into symphonic orchestras, while several European armies set up military bands similar to the Mehter. Even today the percussion departments of orchestras are occasionally called the Turkish section." [Excerpts from an AP article entitled, "Once-frightening Turkish bands now delight visitors." Mar. 10, 2002, The Miami Herald]

http://www.symphonyturk.com/?php=dombra