The Transcriptions Series series
Recital Music publish a wealth of original works for double bass alongside a popular, accessible and growing range of transcriptions for bassists of all ages and abilities. Most transcriptions published by Recital Music are by David Heyes, who has a successful and proven track record when arranging for double bass.
Entry of the Gladiators Op.68 was composed in 1897 and was originally titled 'Grande Marche Chromatique' because of the use of chromatic scales throughout the piece, but Fucik eventually settled on the present title which reflected his love of the Roman Empire and its history.
The transcription for double bass octet by David Heyes was arranged in 2012 and can be played by octet or larger forces. There are a range of musical and technical challenges for each player and it is certainly a toe-tapping piece which will appeal to audiences of all ages. A great final item in a concert or a lively and upbeat encore.
Julius Fučík (18 July 1872 – 25 September 1916) was a Czech composer and conductor and spent most of his life as the leader of military brass bands. He was a prolific composer, writing more than 400 marches, polkas, and waltzes and is sometimes known as the 'Bohemian Sousa'.
Today Fucik's marches are still popular throughout the Czech Republic but his worldwide reputation is dominated by one work, 'Entrance of the Gladiators' Op.68 which is often known under the title "Thunder and Blazes", as one of the most popular theme tunes for circus clowns.
