March

(Ger. Marsch; r. marc he; It. mar’cia.) A composition of strongly marked rhythm, suitable for timing the steps of a body of persons proceeding at a walking pace, and thus bearing a proce ional character akin to that of the Polonaise, Entrée, etc. The march form of the earlier operas and clavier pieces also resembles that of the old dances, consisting of 2 reprises of 8, (12), or 16 measures. - The modern march-form is further developed; it is in goa time, with reprises of 4, 8, or 16 measures, and is followed by a Trio (usually in the dominant or subdominant key and of a more melodious characte, after which the march is Fepeated. ‘often with amplifications — The ordinary Parade March (Ger. -MASCHINEN, 17 Para'demarsch; Fr. Pas ordinaire) has about 75 steps to the minute; the Quickstep (Ger, Ceschwind'marsch; Fr. Pas redouble), about 108; while for a Charge (Ger. Sturm’marsch;; Fr. Pas de charge) some 120steps per minute are reckoned,. Besides these military marches of a bright and martial character, Funeral or Dead Marches are composed, slower in movement and more solemn in effect, and sometimes symphonically developed.