Helenenmarsch

The renowned “military music” publisher Bote & Bock organized annual “competitions” between 1852 and 1862. They were march contests with the aim to gain excellent marches to be eventually used in Prussian band music. In 1857 Music Director Friedrich Lübbert of the 35th Fusiliers, which then were stationed in the federal fortress Luxembourg, participated in this competition. Lübbert who was in charge of the regimental band from 1854-1880 originally called his march “Black and White” thus alluding to the colors of the Prussian flag. Later the title reflected the dedication to the wife of his regimental commander. This taut and melodious march was eventually accepted to the Royal Prussian Collection of Army Marches as Army March II,173 in 1860.