Keith Brion, the conductor of this album, leads his own New Sousa Band and is a specialist in Sousa's period style, publishing numerous performing editions of his music.
Composer Biography
John Philip Sousa, known as 'The March King,' became conductor of the U.S. Marine Band at the age of 26 in 1880.
Compositional Technique
Sousa modified the traditional brass band by decreasing brass and percussion, increasing woodwinds, and adding a harp, creating an ensemble capable of varied programs.
Cultural Impact
The Sousa Band was incredibly popular at a time when few American orchestras existed, making band concerts the most important aspect of U.S. musical life from the Civil War to about 1920.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sousa believed a march 'should make a man with a wooden leg step out,' and his compositions standardized the march form as it is known today.
Composer Biography
Beyond marches, John Philip Sousa was an inventive composer of over 200 works, including symphonic poems, suites, operas, and operettas, influencing many classical composers.
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