Turkish March [Digital Sheet Music]

Beethoven’s Turkish March (from The Ruins of Athens Op. 113) belongs to the musical genre known as Turquerie, highly appreciated by the European audiences in 18th - 19th centuries because of its festive and ironic mood, highlighted by the use of cymbals, triangles and bass drums. This instrumentation evoked the sounds of janissary bands which influenced the European ones also in other aspects such as discipline and uniforms. The Ruins of Athens Op. 113 for reciting voice, choir and orchestra was composed by Beethoven in 1811 for the new opening of a German theatre in Pest. The Turkish March is the fourth scene, in which the Turks, with their unsheathed sabers, are crossing the stage. It’s a colourful piece whose theme is the one of the Piano Variations Op. 76, dating back to a few years before.

Ilio Barontini’s version for piano four hands is full of rhythmic energy and refined irony. A compelling piano duet that calls for a cool and playful interpretation and cheers the audience up.

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