Julius Fuc�k was a Czech composer and conductor of military bands. He became a prolific composer, with over 400 marches, polkas, and waltzes to his name. As most of his work was for military bands, he is sometimes known as the "Bohemian Sousa". Today his marches are still played as patriotic music in the Czech Republic. His worldwide reputation rests primarily on two works: "The Florentiner March" popular throughout much of Europe and the "Entrance of the Gladiators", which is widely recognized, often under the title "Thunder and Blazes", as one of the most popular theme tunes for circus clowns. This arrangement for clarinet quartet includes the following parts: Bb Clarinet 1 or Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 2, Bb clarinet 3 or Eb Alto Clarinet, Bb Bass Clarinet.