Marine Band Marches

John Philip Sousa's 'Marine Band Marches' is a magnificent collection of marches, expertly performed by the United States Marine Band. Released on 8 November 2024 via CV Recordings, this album is a testament to Sousa's enduring legacy as the 'March King'. With a duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes, this comprehensive album features 30 iconic tracks, including 'Columbia's Pride', 'The Liberty Bell', and 'The Stars and Stripes Forever' is not included but 'The Gallant Seventh' is.

As the 17th Director of the United States Marine Band, John Philip Sousa led the ensemble from 1880 to 1892, ushering in a prolific period of march composition that would cement his reputation as a master of the genre. This album is a celebration of Sousa's remarkable career, which spanned over five decades and produced some of the most recognisable and beloved marches in history.

The United States Marine Band, founded in 1798, is the oldest professional music organisation in the United States, and its association with John Philip Sousa is a profound one. Each year, on Sousa's birthday, the band performs his music at his graveside in Congressional Cemetery, a tradition that continues to this day. With 'Marine Band Marches', John Philip Sousa's incredible music is brought to life once again, showcasing the timeless appeal of his compositions and the exceptional skill of the United States Marine Band.

John Philip Sousa, the legendary 'March King', was an American composer and conductor who left an indelible mark on the late Romantic era with his stirring military and patriotic marches. Born in 1854, Sousa's compositions, such as 'The Stars and Stripes Forever', 'Semper Fidelis', and 'The Washington Post', have become synonymous with American pride and are still performed and beloved today. Sousa's career spanned continents, with his band touring both America and Europe, including prestigious performances in Vienna. His prolific output includes over 100 marches and several operettas, showcasing his versatility and mastery of both wind band and symphony orchestra arrangements. Sousa's legacy as a trombonist, composer, and conductor continues to inspire, making him one of the most renowned figures in American music history.