
A Sousa Celebration
Featuring
Did you know?
1/7Composer's Artistic Vision
Sousa's "Dwellers of the Western World" (1910) suite, while popular, is problematic as it reinforces ethnic stereotypes of North American inhabitants through its musical depictions.
Performer Biography
Kristjan Järvi, the conductor, is the only conductor to lead both the oldest radio orchestra (MDR Sinfonieorchester) and the youngest professional orchestra (Baltic Sea Philharmonic) in Europe.
Composition History
Sousa's march "Semper Fidelis" (1888) was created when President Chester A. Arthur asked him to replace "Hail to the Chief" with a new tune for presidential arrivals.
Composer Biography
John Philip Sousa, though best known for marches, began his career as a violinist and conductor in Washington, D.C. theaters.
Composition History
Sousa composed his only tango, "The Gliding Girl" (1912), after his daughter Priscilla demonstrated the dance to him upon returning from a European vacation.
Recording & Production
This album is part of 'The Kristjan Järvi Sound Project' series, launched in 2014, which aims to offer a fresh perspective on classical music.
Cultural Impact
Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (1896) was designated the National March of the United States in 1987, due to its association with American patriotism.




















