Wagram-Marsch

It is interesting to note that there is no formation which is represented more often in the German March Collections than the (Austrian) Sudeten-German Infantry Regiment No. 42. It may be found there with a total of four marches of which three are no longer known in Austria today. However, the “Wagram March” has remained to be popular ever since. It was originally composed as “Grenadier March (42nd Regimental March)” and was officially renamed “Wagram- March” by the Imperial and Royal War Ministry in 1895. It was composed by Josef Wiedemann (1828-1919) who served as regimental bandmaster of Infantry Regiment No. 42 from 1854 to 1896. It was the only regiment of the Austro-Hungarian army that had the privilege to strike up the grenadier march on account of its bravery shown during the battle of Wagram on July 5, 1809. It was Archduke Carl, commander-in-chief of the Austrian army and the first conqueror of Napoleon conferred this prerogative on the 42nd Regiment. Wiedemann integrated the grenadier march in his composition, and it is featured in its entire splendor at the beginning of the trio. In the trio itself the regimental call is featured several times.