>List; > I am reading the book written by Arthur Loesser entitled; "Men, Women and >Pianos". In the book Arthur makes mention of a piano Erard built for "Consul >Bonaparte"; the passage reads: >" .............it also had the row of condimentary pedals customary in Vienna >instruments, five of them-an unacorda soft pedal, an ordinary sustaining >pedal, a "basson", a "celeste" pianissimo made by a cloth damper, and a >"Janizary music" (that is to say, drums and triangle). > > Question: What specifically is a Janizary ? How does/did it work ? > Jim, the Janissary pedal is great fun! The Janissary Bands were from Turkey, and toured to great enthusiasm in the late 18th century and early 19th century throughout Europe. Think of Mozart's Turkish Rondo? The form of the stop varied, but a typical installation included a parchment drum head under the piano, and generally some triangles as well, so when you put the pedal down you get a loud thump and jangle. Great fun, especially if you've not told your modern audience you have the stop, they about flip out of their chairs when you hit that in the middle of the music. Best, Anne Anne Beetem Harpsichords & Historic Pianos 2070 Bingham Ct. Reston, VA 20191 abeetem@wizard.net
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