Fucik, J :: Entry of the Gladiators

Musicians Publications presents Julius Fucik s Entry of the Gladiators arranged for woodwind quartet by Bill Holcombe. Scored for flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon, this arrangement also includes a bass clarinet part to replace the bassoon when desired. This quartet is advanced in difficulty.

Fucik composed his march, Opus 68, also known as Thunder and Blazes , between 1897 and 1900 while he was a military bandmaster in the Austro-Hungarian city of Sarajevo. The original title had been Grande Marche Chromatique , but Fucik 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 Notes for Band