Brass, Reeds, and Percussion: March 9, 2024

This edition Brass, Reeds, and Percussion with marches by Julius Fucik, best known in the United States for the so-called circus march “Thunder and Blazes,” more accurately entitled “Entry of the Gladiators.” Known as the “Bohemian Sousa,” Fucik has many other compositions to his credit—many just as creative as “Entry of the Gladiators.” Born in what is today called the Czech Republic, Fucik studied bassoon, violin, and drums and took composition lessons from Anton Dvorak. He played the bassoon in an Austro-Hungarian Empire army band and was the bandmaster of at least two army bands. Eventually, he settled in Berlin where he started his own band and music publishing company.

1. Soldier March
   Composer:  Julius Fucik (1872-1916)
   Performer:  Rudolf Urbanec Wind Orchestra
   Album:  Composer Julius Fucik
     
2. Immer Vorwarts (Always Forward)
   Composer:  Julius Fucik (1872-1916)
   Performer:  Rudolf Urbanec Wind Orchestra
   Album:  Composer Julius Fucik
     
3. Herzegonia March
   Composer:  Julius Fucik (1872-1916)
   Performer:  Rudolf Urbanec Wind Orchestra
   Album:  Composer Julius Fucik
     
4. Eccossois
   Composer:  Ignaz Joseph Pleyel (1757-1831)
   Performer:  Amphion Wind Octet
   Album:  Partitas for Winds
     
5. Sextetto in C Minor: Allegro agitato
   Composer:  Ignaz Joseph Pleyel (1757-1831)
   Performer:  Amphion Wind Octet
   Album:  Partitas for Winds
     
6. Sextetto in C Minor: Rondeau
   Composer:  Ignaz Joseph Pleyel (1757-1831)
   Performer:  Amphion Wind Octet
   Album:  Partitas for Winds
     
7. Lux Aurumque
   Composer:  Eric Whitacre (1970- )
   Performer:  Drake University Wind Symphony
   Album:  Distant Celebration
     
8. Symphonic Overture
   Composer:  James Barnes (1949- )
   Performer:  Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra
   Album:  Overtures, Vol. 2
     
9. Anvil Chorus
   Composer:  Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), arranged by Jerry Gray (1915-1976)
   Performer:  BBC Big Band Orchestra
   Album:  Best of Big Bands, Vol. 2
     
10. Dile Que por Mi No Tema (Tell Him He Has No Reason)
    Composer:  Tony Smith
    Performer:  Celia Cruz & Her Orchestra
    Album:  Reflections of the Incomparable Celia
      
11. El Heladero (Ice Cream Man)
    Composer:  Mercy Condor
    Performer:  Celia Cruz & Her Orchestra
    Album:  Reflections of the Incomparable Celia