The American Bandmasters Association Commemorative Recording Series: John R. Bourgeois

Featuring

John R. Bourgeois
Gail Gillespie
United States Marine Band
David Reeves
Robert Jager
Thomas Knox

Percy Grainger
Richard Wagner
Jacques Offenbach
Richard Strauss
Georges Hüe
Hector Berlioz
John Philip Sousa

Did you know?

1/7

Composition History

Colonel John R. Bourgeois initiated a Marine Band Commissioning Project in 1982 to commission prominent wind composers to write for the organization.

Performer Biography

Under Colonel Bourgeois's leadership, the Marine Band undertook its first overseas performances, including a historic concert tour of the Soviet Union in 1990.

Composer Biography

Percy Grainger, an Australian-born composer, served with the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Band during World War I, playing oboe and saxophone, which began his long relationship with the wind band.

Composition History

John Philip Sousa's march 'Semper Fidelis' was composed at the suggestion of President Chester A. Arthur, who wanted more appropriate music than 'Hail to the Chief' for official use.

Cultural Impact

The 'Gendarmes' Duet' from Jacques Offenbach's operetta Geneviève de Brabant is believed to be the musical source of 'The Marines' Hymn,' the oldest U.S. service song.

Compositional Technique

Percy Grainger's Children's March is believed to be the first original work for concert band with an integrated piano part, including an unusual instruction to hit a string inside the instrument with a marimba mallet.

Performer Biography

Colonel John R. Bourgeois, USMC (Ret.), was the 25th Director of 'The President's Own' United States Marine Band, serving across nine presidential administrations.