Feierlicher Einzug

Feierlicher Einzug (Solemn Entrance of the Knights of the Order of Saint-John) was composed by Richard Strauss in 1909 and was originally scored for 15 trumpets, 4 horns, 4 trombones, 2 tubas and timpani, though many variations of the orchestration can be found. This arrangement is for eight trombones in two choirs. The opening motive, marked Lento e maestoso (Slow and Solemn), is a distant call underscored by the bass trombones. There follows a solemn chorale-like melody interspersed by repeats of the introductory calls. The intensity grows all the way to a final climactic ending. Derrick Parker