Thunder and Blazes (arr Foster)

From Wind Repertory Project
Julius Fučik

Julius Fučík (arr. Robert E. Foster Jr.)


This work is also known by its German title Einzug der Gladiatoren and by its alternate English title, Entry of the Gladiators.


General Info

Year: 1897 / 2011
Duration: c. 1:00
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Wingert-Jones
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $50.00; (digital) - $50.00   |   Score Only (print) - $5.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute
Oboe
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet
Horn in F
Trombone /Euphonium/Bassoon
Tuba
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Snare Drum
  • Crash Cymbals


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Fučik composed his march Einzug der Gladiatoren, Opus 68, also known as Entry of the Gladiators and Thunder and Blazes, between 1897 and 1900 while he was a military bandmaster in the Austro-Hungarian city of Sarajevo. The original title has been Grande Marche Chromatique, but Fučik was fascinated by the description of gladiators entering a Roman amphitheater in Henry Sienkiewicz's book Quo Vadis? - Whither Goest Thou? that he changed to the present title. The book concerns the gladiators during the rule of the infamous and depraved Nero (A.D. 54-68); however, the Emperor Titus, who ruled from A.D. 7-81, presented an even bloodier exhibition of gladiators, wild beasts, and sea fights which involved 10,000 men and lasted 100 days.

In this march the upper brasses announce the entry followed in the second strain by the lower brasses who represent the combat. At the present time, Entry of the Gladiators usually refers to the heroes and heroines under the circus big top, the daring riders in the rodeo, or the muscular athletes on the playing fields. Although it is often played at break-neck speed, the proper original tempo is from 100 to 120 beats per minute, as most European marches are played.

- Program Note from Program Notes for Band


Commercial Discography


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources