A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Janitscharen

JANITSCHAREN, i.e. Janissaries. A term used by the Germans for what they also call Turkish music—the triangle, cymbals, and big drum (see Nos. 3 and 7 of the Finale of the Choral Symphony). The Janissaries were abolished in 1825. Their band is said to have contained 2 large and 3 small oboes and 1 piccolo flute, all of very shrill character; 1 large and 2 small kettle-drums, 1 big and 3 small long drums, 3 cymbals, and 2 triangles.

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