Review

Julius Fučík
Florentiner March:

Arranged by Brad Howland


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2007
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

Julius Fučík wrote the Florentiner March in 1907, at age 35, as a grand march for an opera. Unfortunately, Fučík never completed the opera. The march, however, was published and became popular in its own right. Today it is played in many concerts and is often recorded by wind ensembles and concert bands. Those searching for a close adaptation of Fučík’s famous Florentiner March for brass quintet should look at Brad Howland’s arrangement. Howland follows the form of the original piece and divides the melody and accompaniment fairly traditionally between the instruments of the brass quintet. The arrangement is appropriate for moderately-advanced players; the melody in the trio requires a solid horn player. Sections of the work can easily be performed without repeat for endurance or time considerations.
-Don Babcock
Eastern Michigan University