Entrance of the Gladiators a/k/a Thunder & Blazes Circus Song - Clara-Belle the Calliope

Clara-Belle the Calliope spent the day, May 2, 2013, recording songs in Plainfield, NH. Beautifully played and selected by Professor Louie (A/K/A Aaron Hurwitz), invited guests enjoyed watching the proceedings.

Probably the famous of all circus related songs, at least in North America is "Entrance of the Gladiators" or "Entry of the Gladiators". Most people relate it to the music that's played when the clowns enter the 'Big Top'. It is a march composed in 1897 by the Czech composer Julius Fučík. He originally titled it "Grande Marche Chromatique," but changed the title due to his interest in the Roman Empire and it's warriors.

In 1910 Canadian composer Louis-Philippe Laurendeau arranged "Entrance of the Gladiators" under the title "Thunder and Blazes".

Though definitely a 'circus song', there are several well-known uses of parts of it in Pop music. Leon Russell had a hit in 1972 with his song, "Tight Rope," which makes use of parts of it played slowly. Songwriter Leo Sayer used the introduction and melody into their composition, "The Show Must Go On" which became a hit for the pop group Three Dog Night.

Boots Randolph's "Yakety Sax" uses parts of it, and in keeping with the joyous comedy of the circus found its way as the theme for the British comedy series, The Benny Hill Show. And most recently, Gwen Stefani's "Don't Get It Twisted" makes use of the theme in the song's main hook. It can be found on her 2006 album "The Sweet Escape".

For further information on Clara-Belle the Calliope please 'like' her on Facebook at:   / clarabellethecalliope