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Title	Siegesschwert, Das
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Concert march
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Publisher's article no.	KL 1272
Price	65.00 EUR (incl. 10 % Austrian VAT)
Composer	Fucik, Julius
Arranger	Fischer, Gustav
Opus no.	Op.260
Difficulty level	2
Duration	2:30
Additional info/contents	The march "Das Siegesschwert" (The Victory Sword) by Julius Fučík, dedicated to General Lothar Edlen von Hortenstein, reflects the military spirit of the Austro-Hungarian infantry. Gustav Fischer's arrangement for wind band expands the work's sonic and interpretative possibilities, contributing to its continued significance in wind band music. The combination of historical roots, musical quality, and adaptive arrangement makes the piece a staple of German and international wind band repertoire.
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Programme notes: "The Victory Sword" by Julius Fučík, Op. 260: Historical Origin, Musical Characteristics, and the Wind Orchestra Arrangement by Gustav Fischer The march "The Victory Sword," Op. 260, by Julius Fučík, is one of the composer's best-known works. Originally conceived for military band, this piece is closely intertwined with the historical and musical tradition of the Austro-Hungarian Army. Of particular interest is Gustav Fischer's arrangement for wind orchestra, which gave the work greater impact and accessibility. The following analysis examines the origin, dedication, musical characteristics, significance, and reception of this arrangement. The march "The Victory Sword," Op. 260, by Julius Fučík, is one of the composer's most famous works. Origin and Historical Dedication Julius Fučík (1872–1916), often referred to as the "King of the March," composed "The Sword of Victory" in the early 20th century, within the context of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The march is dedicated to "His Excellency, Colonel-in-Chief of the Austro-Hungarian Infantry Regiment No. 92, General of the Infantry Lothar Edlen von Hortenstein." This dedication is explicitly noted on the original score and underscores the work's military function as an honor and motivational tribute to the regiment. The dedication reflects the close connection between military music and the Austro-Hungarian Army, whose traditions and musical culture were strengthened by such compositions. Musical Characteristics of the March "The Sword of Victory" The march is characterized by its clear, formal structure, which exhibits typical rhythmic and melodic elements of a military march. The key underscores the heroic and festive mood. Fučík employs distinctive rhythmic figures, concise and assertive, to define the march's sound. The instrumentation is originally intended for military bands, with dominant brass emphasizing the martial character, complemented by woodwinds and percussion for sonic variety. Melodically, "The Sword of Victory" displays a balanced blend of haunting motifs and catchy themes that foster recognition and identification. Harmonically, the work remains traditional, with accentuated dominant and tonic formations that skillfully create tension and resolution. The arrangement by Gustav Fischer for wind orchestra The arrangement by Gustav Fischer, an accomplished arranger and conductor, significantly expanded the march's reach and performance opportunities. In this arrangement, the original instrumentation is adapted for larger wind orchestras, allowing for a particularly nuanced palette of tonal colors. Fischer employed a full wind ensemble, including modern clarinets, saxophones, and an expanded percussion section, thereby adding variety and dynamism to the piece. This arrangement not only emphasizes the martial aspects but also more subtle tonal nuances that are less pronounced in the original military band version. This made "The Victory Sword" accessible for concert and representative performances in wind bands, popularizing the march beyond its military context. The impact of Fischer's arrangement is far-reaching in the practice of wind band music. The work is regularly included in the repertoire of both traditional and modern wind bands. The expanded sonic richness lends the march a greater expressive range, opening up creative possibilities for both concertgoers and ensembles. Historically, "The Victory Sword" exemplifies the transition of military music into the public concert sphere. The arrangement underscores the role of arrangers like Fischer, who adapt works of military tradition for new contexts, thus keeping them alive. From a musicological perspective, the analysis shows that the arrangement preserves the clearly structured form and concise metrical character while simultaneously enriching it with textural and dynamic facets. This balance between preserving tradition and innovation is a key factor in its enduring success in the wind band repertoire. Text: musicainfo.net (KI)

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	Format	EUR
	Siegesschwert, Das (concert/wind band)	65.00
	Zollwachemusik Wien musiziert, Die, audio CD  out of print

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