Entrance of the Gladiators

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For the similarly-titled march by John Philip Sousa, see The Gladiator March.

"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.

In 1974, writers Leo Sayer and David Courtney wove the introduction and melody into their composition, "The Show Must Go On."

Boots Randolph's "Yakety Sax", Liquid Tension Experiment's "Universal Mind", The Dickies' "Killer Klowns", House of Pain's "Guess Who's Back", Cake's "Italian Leather Sofa", Pilotdrift's "Elephant Island," No Doubt's "Paulina",Gwen Stefani's "Don't Get it Twisted," Britney Spears's "Circus," Kali Girls' "Beach Girl," Namie Amuro´s "Do Me More" and Cardiacs' "All His Geese are Swans" also interpolated parts of the theme.