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Czech composer's military tribute accidentally became history's most recognizable clown song

Ellsworth Toohey
Dec 23, 2024
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Composer Julius Fučík (1872-1916)

That instantly recognizable circus melody that makes you think of clowns and big tops began its life as something entirely different — a sophisticated military march inspired by ancient Roman gladiators.

Czech composer Julius Fučík wrote "Entrance of the Gladiators" in 1897 while serving as a military bandmaster in Saraje…

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