Entrance of the Gladiators

For the similarly titled march by John Philip Sousa, see The Gladiator March.

"Entrance of the Gladiators" or "Entry of the Gladiators" (Czech: Vjezd gladiátorů, German: Einzug der Gladiatoren) is a military march composed in 1897 by the Czech composer Julius Fučík. 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 1910 Canadian composer Louis-Phillipe Laurendeau arranged "Entrance of the Gladiators" for a small band under the title "Thunder and Blazes," and sold this version throughout North America. It was during this period that the song gained lasting popularity as a screamer march^[1] for circuses, often used to introduce clowns. Today it is known mainly by this association, even though the title and composer are relatively obscure. Laurendeau's version was also transcribed for fairground organs. The march receives the occasional concert hall performance, such as at the 2007 Last Night of The Proms.^[2]

Generally, the march is divided into three parts. The first part contains the melody that the trumpet keeps and the several supporting parts. The second third is the section where the low brass (mainly the tubas) take over with the chromatic scale like role. Finally there is a trio, or a slow melodic section, where there is a strong balance between woodwinds and low brass. The trio has a part similar to the second third with a chromatic scale like sound. The piece is written in 2-2 time and is originally written to be played at standard march tempo; however, when played as a screamer it is usually played much faster.

In 1974, writers Leo Sayer and David Courtney wove the introduction and melody into their composition, "The Show Must Go On."

Parts of the theme were also incorporated into Boots Randolph's "Yakety Sax", which, following the circus theme, is often associated with comedy acts, notably on The Benny Hill Show.

See also

• Circus music

References

1. ^ Latten, James E.; Chevallard, Carl (September 2004). "Review: Teaching Music Through Performing Marches". Music Educators Journal (MENC_ The National Association for Music Education) 91 (1): 62–63. doi:10.2307/3400112. JSTOR 3400112. 
2. ^ Edward Seckerson (2007-09-11). "Last Night of the Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London". The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/last-night-of-the-proms-royal-albert-hall-london-464143.html. Retrieved 2008-09-21. 

External links

• Notes from BBC Proms webpage for the 2007 Last Night at the Wayback Machine
• WIMA Free piano score.
• This version has words: Big Red Noses