SKU: A0.956608

Entry of the Gladiators is probably the best known work by Czech composer Julius Fucik (1872-1916) – primarily because of its adoption as an upbeat ‘screamer’ march, heralding the arrival of circus clowns.  In fact, Fucik’s original title for the work was Grande Marche Chromatique, because the piece makes frequent use of chromatic passages.  He later substituted Entry of the Gladiators because of a personal interest in Roman history.  Fucik intended the work to be played at a standard march tempo, though it is generally performed significantly faster in the ‘clowns’ context!

This arrangement for duo of B-flat clarinet and bassoon has been classed as 'advanced intermediate' as, although it can be attempted by players of ABRSM Grade 4 - 5 standard, it takes more experienced musicians to do it full justice.

SKU: A0.527600

Entrance of the Gladiators op. 68 or Entry of the Gladiators is a military march composed in 1897 by the Czech composer Julius Fucík. He originally titled it Grande Marche Chromatique, reflecting the use of chromatic scales throughout the piece, but changed the title based on his personal interest in the Roman Empire.

In 1901, American publisher Carl Fischer published a version of this march, arranged for American wind bands by Canadian composer Louis-Philippe Laurendeau, under the title Thunder and Blazes. It was during this period that the song gained lasting popularity as a screamer march for circuses, often used to introduce clowns. Today it is known mainly by this association, even though the title and composer are relatively obscure. The march receives the occasional concert hall performance, such as at the 2007 Last Night of the Proms.

This arrangement for brass quartet includes the following parts: Bb Trumpet 1, Bb Trumpet 2, Trombone or F Horn, Tuba.