Brass, Reeds, and Percussion: April 18 and 22, 2026

The most famous and recognized composition of Julius Fucik, the Bohemian march king, is “Entry of the Gladiators,” also known as “Thunder and Blazes.” In the United States, this composition is synonymous with circuses. But Fucik wrote many other compositions worthy of recognition and attention. Fucík was born on July 18, 1872, in Prague. There he studied bassoon, percussion, and violin, and later composition with the renowned Antonín Dvorák. He was both a member and bandleader of numerous military bands of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This edition of Brass, Reeds, and Percussion opens with a Fucik march entitled “Hercegovac,” named after a Croation village.

1. 1. Hercegovac
      Composer:  Julius Fucik (1872-1916)
      Performer:  Supraphon Wind Orchestra
      Album:  Fucik
   2. Octet in E flat major: Allegro
      Composer:  Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
      Performer:  London Baroque Ensemble
      Album:  Beethoven Wind Music
   3. Octet in E flat major: Andante
      Composer:  Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
      Performer:  London Baroque Ensemble
      Album:  Beethoven Wind Music
   4. Octet in E flat major: Minuet
      Composer:  Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
      Performer:  London Baroque Ensemble
      Album:  Beethoven Wind Music
   5. Octet in E flat major: Finale Presto
      Composer:  Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
      Performer:  London Baroque Ensemble
      Album:  Beethoven Wind Music
   6. Marinarella (1907)
      Composer:  Julius Fucik (1872-1916)
      Performer:  Supraphon Wind Orchestra
      Album:  Fucik
   7. Mikado (1885)
      Composer:  Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900)
      Performer:  Philharmonic Wind Orchestra
      Album:  Best of Broadway
   8. Engulfed Cathedral
      Composer:  Claude Debussy (1862-1918), arranged by Merlin Patterson (1955- )
      Performer:  U.S. Air Force Band
      Album:  75 Years
   9. March in D Major
      Composer:  C. P. E. Bach (1714-1788)
      Performer:  Netherlands Wind Ensemble
      Album:  Little Marches for Wind by Great Composers