Composed by J. Fucik. Arranged by Diego Marani. 20th Century, Classical Period, Repertoire, Classroom, Recital. Score, Set of Parts. 19 pages. Published by Diego Marani (S0.190249). - Score,Set of Parts - 20th Century,Classical Period,Repertoire,Classroom,Recital - Diego Marani"Entrance of the Gladiators" op. 68 or "Entry of the Gladiators" is a military march composed in 1897 by the Czech composer Julius Fucík. 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 1901, American publisher Carl Fischer published a version of this march, arranged for American wind bands by Canadian composer Louis-Philippe Laurendeau, under the title "Thunder and Blazes." It was during this period that the song gained lasting popularity as a screamer march for circuses, often used to introduce clowns. Today it is known mainly by this association, even though the title and composer are relatively obscure. The march receives the occasional concert hall performance, such as at the 2007 Last Night of the Proms.
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.