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I heard a recording today of the "Turkish March" played on a period instrument. The part with the left-hand arpeggios was played by a drum-like mechanism. I knew these existed, but to what extent? And is that what Mozart intented to be used?

There was a recording I heard once where the Rondo Alla Turca was played on a piano which had the ability to drop a sheet of parchment onto the strings. I believe the instrument, or at least its design, was supposed to have been comtemporaneous with Mozart. I think the recording was done by an academic, and I recollect (possibly mistakenly) that he was rhythmically a bit unsteady, not a good quality to have when playing that piece. Obviously, there are no indications in the score "Drop parchment on strings here," but that movement, a real romp, doesn't require the delicacy of expression the first one does, and the parchment was quite effective.

To my knowledge devices of this type began appearing on Viennese fortepianos during the early 19th Century which is after Mozart's death, and remained in vogue into the 1820's, after which they fall out of favor and disappear. I'm not aware of these devices being on pianos during Mozart's lifetime in the 18th Century, but I could be wrong. I doubt that Mozart intended his piano music to be played with such devices.

Niles is correct. Mozart did not write for any "tricked up" instruments. In fact at the point that Mozart bought his Walter fortepiano he had to pay extra to get a knee operated sustain. There were no bells or drums or parchment sheets.

The only music Mozart did write for odd instruments were a couple pieces for clock organ
and a couple for harmonica.

Regards

Steve

Mozart wrote for harmonica?!?!?

Glass harmonica, an instrument invented by one Benjamin Franklin, a gentleman from Philadelphia. It consisted of glass bowls mounted on a rotating spindle. One dipped one's finger into water, and held it up to the spinning bowl, thereby exciting a resonance. It sounded a bit like a Theremin, as I recollect.

I see. And where were the other Benjamin Franklin's at this time? :p
(okay, that was a bit corny).

jgoo.....

k 356 Adagio for harmonica

k 617 Adagio and Rondo,for harmonica,flute, oboe, viola and violoncello

Both pieces written for the glass armonica. Hauntingly beautiful when played on the original instrument but having some intonation troubles. Often played on organ or celeste.

Steve