Entrance of the Gladiators by Fučík

Image: "Pierrot et Colombine" a French poster illustration from Charles Léandre

"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 one people associate the piece with the most would be the first third [citation needed]. This 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, were 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.

My interest is in the way Fučík has linked clowning with Roman Gladiators, if only in the title (but perhaps in composition?? Could it be a parody of Colosseum music? Any comment A.?). Of course the tune is a ridiculous stereotype. But it does have a curious history, it seems, and I think there might be more than meets the eye here???

I have been thinking about the word 'Forum' lately (i.e Roman, democratic, dialogue, 3-dimensional, arena stage) and what it means for our show. I'll do a post on this later I think.

Marching band version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OkkU-UJc5o

Hillbilly version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnxERnliJpA