Circus music

The first modern circus director and performer was Philip Astley (1742–1814), a veteran of the Seven Years' War and a skilled equestrian.

With his horsemanship skills and the addition of jugglers, acrobats, and clowns, Astley opened Paris's first circus in 1782.

An ensemble of approximately sixty children was used as singers and dancers to perform the many pieces that he wrote for the circus, such as "The Graces", "Clump and Cudden", and "Pandora", which was arguably the most famous piece that was used in the circus because it was originally used in a popular puppet show that mocked contemporary figures of the time.

It is characterized by a rapid-fire tempo – usually around 200 beats per minute – and melodies that contain showy features such as leaps, runs, and fanfares.

Like the march, it is played at a fast, lively tempo and is primarily used for daredevil acts, such as trick-riding or other wild animal performances.

For example, a high-flying, nimble trapeze act could be characterized by a dizzying galop or a graceful waltz.

"Sobre las Olas", or "Over the Waves", is a popular waltz used during trapeze shows, written by Mexican composer Juventino Rosas.

[10] "Barnum and Bailey's Favorite" by Karl King (1892–1971) is a famous circus music piece.

[13] Sounds of cornets, trumpets, trombones, French horns, baritones, and tubas were able to reach far and wide, signaling to entire towns that the circus was around.

'"[15]The group meets twice annually to study and play the compositions of classic era circus music composers such as M. L. Lake and Karl L. King.

[16] Music that imitates or evokes the sound of the circus has also been written, often showing up in film scores, some dedicated to the subject and some not.

Nino Rota is known for his circus-inspired music that was written for many of Federico Fellini’s films, including I Clowns and 8 1/2.

Post-hardcore and metalcore bands like The Venetia Fair, Ice Nine Kills, and Crown The Empire add circus music in some of their songs.