"Hungarian March". From Hector Berlioz's opera, La Damnation de Faust or The Damnation of Faust. It is frequently played as an independent piece, and is in fact independent from the story of Faust. Berlioz simply had a Hungarian army march by so that he could showcase this music.
It develops the old Hungarian war song Rakoczy March, and the piece is very rhythmic and percussive. It alternates between two themes, the first more airy than the militant second, but no less forgettable, and it builds up to a nicely violent climax.
Some young Hungarians were so taken with the piece that they sent Berlioz a silver crown with the coat-of-arms of the city of Györ. Berlioz replied,
Gentlemen
I have received your handsome present and the flattering letter which came with it. I am deeply touched by this mark of friendship from a country for which I have the fondest memories. The impact of my work is probably due to the feelings which your national theme stirs in you, which must lead you to life (in your own poetic phrase). Virgil’s words apply to you:
Furor iraque mentes
Praecipitant, pulchrumque mori succurrit in armis.
But if you have found in my music even a spark of the fire which stirs noble Hungarian souls, I must consider myself fortunate and regard this as one of the rarest successes that an artist can obtain.
Receive, Gentlemen, together with the expression of my gratitude, my cordial greetings.
Yours sincerely,
Hector BERLIOZ
thank you, hberlioz.com