Feierlicher Einzug - Strauss (1864-1949)

Richard Strauss’ short prelude Feierlicher Einzug der Ritter des Johanniterordens - Solemn (Holy) Entrance of the Knights of St John was written in 1909 for large brass ensemble. I had the privilege of conducting the Locke Brass Consort in the first recording of Feierlicher Einzug for an LP of Music for Symphonic Brass released by Chandos Records in 1979 (and still available today). The recording was made in the Unitarian Chapel, Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead. The main piece of the day was Strauss’ Festmusik der Stadt Wien, extravagently scored for ten trumpets yet outdone by the fifteen trumpets that Strauss required for Feierlicher Einzug! Some years later, Judy and I were visiting the Chateau at Blois in France when we witnessed a procession of the Knights of St John across the impressive courtyard. Resplendent in flowing robes and moving at a solemn pace, the Knights were accompanied by the strains of Strauss’ noble music relayed from several loudspeakers. At that time, as far as I am aware, there was but one recording of this music! A few years ago, Leslie Lake, the founder of the Locke Brass Consort, drew my attention to an arrangement of Feierlicher Einzug for full orchestra by the Russian-born composer, Paul Juon.

The music is straightforward both harmonically and rhythmically although there are one or two characteristic Straussian harmonic twists. It is of interest that Feierlicher Einzug starts with a rising motif on the bass trombone which is an exact inversion of the notes that start Bruckner’s mighty Fourth Symphony. This could be construed as advanced programme planning - in fact it is a nice coincidence!

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