Pierre Leemans

March of the Belgian Paratroopers

Belgian composer Pierre Leemans began composing the 'March of the Belgian Paratroopers' while serving in the army during World Wars I. Left incomplete, he returned to it decades later during World War II at the request of a group of paratroopers. His most famous composition is meant to portray a military patrol, approaching from a distance, passing by, and then leaving. The piccolo duet, in this arrangement emulated by two E-flat clarinets gives the march an especially martial feeling. In case a second E-flat clarinet player is not available, the part has been transposed for B-flat clarinet. Additionally, the four B-flat clarinet parts all contain divisi passages, however, notes in the parts give direction if only one player is playing.