Sheet Music: Le Boudin

TitleLe Boudin
ComposerWilhelm (1781–1842)
InstrumentationFlute solo
KeyA-flat major
RangeAb4–Bb5
Time signature2/4
Tempo88 BPM
Performance time1:05
Difficulty leveleasy
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (50 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (532 kB)
Date added2013-02-20
Last updated2013-02-20
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 0.2 (relatively unpopular)
Categories
Marches, Military music

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Wednesday 20 February 2013

Tune of the Day: Le Boudin

French military march

This is the official march of the French Foreign Legion, a military service wing of the French Army which was exclusively created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces. “Le Boudin” is a reference to boudin, a type of blood sausage, but colloquially it meant the gear (rolled up in a red blanket) that used to top the backpacks of Legionnaires.

The tune was composed prior to the Legion's departure for Mexico in the 1860s by engineer and composer Guillaume-Louis Bocquillon, usually known as just “Wilhelm”.

It is interesting to observe that the Legion marches at only 88 steps per minute, much slower than the 120 steps per minute of all other French military units. Consequently, the Legion contingent at the Bastille Day military parade march brings up the rear. Nevertheless, the Legion usually gets the most enthusiastic response from the crowd.

Thanks to Steve for suggesting this tune!