The Royal Artillery Band, which performs on this album, has a history dating back to 1557 and was officially formed in 1762.
Cultural Impact
Sousa modified the brass band by increasing its woodwinds and adding a harp, setting a new standard that dramatically upgraded the quality of American bands nationally.
Composer Biography
John Philip Sousa, born in 1854, became conductor of the U.S. Marine Band at age 26 in 1880, earning him the title 'The March King'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sousa believed a march 'should make a man with a wooden leg step out', and he standardized the march form as it is known today.
Historical Context
From the Civil War to about 1920, band concerts were the most important aspect of U.S. musical life, and Sousa's Band was considered the finest.
Compositional Technique
Sousa was an exceptionally inventive composer of over 200 works, including symphonic poems, suites, operas, and operettas, not just marches.
Performer Biography
Keith Brion, the conductor of this album, leads his own New Sousa Band and is a specialist in Sousa's period style.
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