Marcia Sinfonica Antoniana (likely referring to the work by Italian composer Fulvio Creux or, in a broader generic sense, to processional march-symphonies for St. Anthony’s Feast—most commonly associated with the Festa di Sant’Antonio in Padua or the Italian diaspora tradition). For the purpose of this paper, we will analyze the canonical concert band work by Fulvio Creux (1900–1969), a staple of the Italian and Swiss wind band repertoire.
The primo motivo is presented by the clarinets and cornets. It is typically cantabile but rhythmic, moving in stepwise motion reminiscent of a lauda (devotional song). Dynamic markings often begin mezzo-piano , swelling to forte as the saxhorns (flicorni) join. Unlike a French or American march, the Italian march emphasizes melodic legato over percussive attack. marcia sinfonica antoniana
A unique feature of the Antoniana is the quotation or paraphrasing of the Trisagio (Greek: “Thrice Holy”) — Sanctus Deus, Sanctus Fortis, Sanctus Immortalis, miserere nobis . This is not sung but embedded in the brass choir as a chorale. This direct liturgical reference confirms the work’s sacred function, temporarily suspending the march rhythm for a moment of homophonic prayer. Marcia Sinfonica Antoniana (likely referring to the work
Creux’s Antoniana was likely commissioned for one of these processions or a concorso bandistico (band competition). Its title explicitly links it to the saint, implying that musical themes are meant to evoke the piety, miracle-working, and eloquence of St. Anthony. The primo motivo is presented by the clarinets and cornets
A recapitulation of the first theme, now in diminution (shorter note values), over a driving snare drum ostinato. The tempo increases ( stringendo al fine ). The piece concludes with a battuta finale : a massive Picardy third (tierce de Picardie) resolving to a major chord from a minor subdominant, reinforcing the Catholic notion of resurrection and joy.
The Sacred and the Secular: An Analysis of the Form, Function, and Legacy of the Marcia Sinfonica Antoniana