The Tubilustrium, or Festival of the Trumpets, was an important festival of ancient Rome where weapons and war-trumpets are purified (lustrated). The rite, celebrated on March 23 and May 23, was intended to ensure the success of the coming season's military campaigns. The fanfare is a study in intervals of open fifths and fourths over a simple Dorian melody, intended to evoke the visceral spirit of the ancient pagan ceremony. Premiered April 10, 2001 by the Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Brass Choir, Major Timothy Holtan, U.S. Army, conducting.
