Best known for his ubiquitous circus march, Entry of the Gladiators (also known as Thunder and Blazes), Julius Fucík, the "Bohemian Sousa," was a prolific composer of band and orchestral music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While his marches, waltzes, and polkas are still popular in the Czech Republic, they have largely faded from the Western orchestral repertoire. Neeme Järvi and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra have released this hybrid SACD collection on Chandos to revive some tuneful bonbons that ...
Read More
Best known for his ubiquitous circus march, Entry of the Gladiators (also known as Thunder and Blazes), Julius Fucík, the "Bohemian Sousa," was a prolific composer of band and orchestral music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While his marches, waltzes, and polkas are still popular in the Czech Republic, they have largely faded from the Western orchestral repertoire. Neeme Järvi and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra have released this hybrid SACD collection on Chandos to revive some tuneful bonbons that deserve a fresh reassessment and a place on programs of light music. In addition to Entry of the Gladiators, highlights of this album include the Florentiner March, Danube Legends, Little Ballerinas, and Under the Admiral's Flag, which are examples of Fucík's infectious melodies, rousing rhythms, and zestful orchestration. The multichannel recording offers a spacious ambience that fully accommodates the orchestra's bold, brassy quality. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi
Read Less
