Michael's Music Service

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Julius Fučik (1872–1916)

Grande Marche Chromatique, or Entry of the Gladiators Back

Julius Fučik was a Czech composer and conductor of military bands. He became a prolific composer, with over 300 marches, polkas, and waltzes to his name. As most of his work was for military bands, he is sometimes known as the “Bohemian Sousa.” His world-wide reputation rests on one work: this Opus 68 march, which is universally recognized as the theme tune of the clowns in a circus. Despite being so widely known, the tune’s original name and composer are relatively obscure.