Customer Reviews

Grand Sousa Concert

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'll come right out and say it. I love John Philip Sousa. I find his work addictive, joyous, and often very surprising. This is an album that explains why - it's perfectly arranged and performed, and the selections included could not be any better.

First of all, it's important for folks new to Sousa to understand that no, sir - he didn't compose only marches. Rather a shame that nowadays those are almost exclusively what he's legendary for - they are gems, indeed, but there's far more to the man than what we so often hear in high school bands, hometown parades and national events. Sousa could charm us with playful foxtrots, delight us with unique tangos, caress the ears with heavenly waltzes, and humor us with whimsical cakewalks. Thank goodness this album proves this truth.

Appropriately, the Great American Main Street Band plays each piece with strength, elan and respect - it doesn't get any better. The finest selections include "The Pathfinder of Panama" - a truly rousing march; "The Gliding Girl" - a tango, dedicated to his daughter, Priscilla); "The Presidential Polonaise" - a most noble dance; "La Reine de la Mer" - one of my favorite waltzes, so lovely; and "With Pleasure" - a cakewalk in the most deleriously fanciful fashion. Of course, each piece amongst these stong points is just wonderful, as well.

In all, this is just a flat out great album. Required listening for newly-minted Sousa fans, as well as members of the Old Guard - that would include me. It's a joy to hear, and will become a frequent resident in your CD shuffler - I guarantee that.

John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was one of America's best known composers. And he composed a wide variety of works, mostly for wind band. As a wind band member, I've played many of his marches.

You won't have any difficulty finding albums of Sousa's marches. But what about the rest of his works? This fine album includes a few and the Nonpareil Wind Band, under the direction of Timothy Foley, does an excellent job of playing them.

If I had to choose just eight of Sousa's pieces in order to introduce an audience to Sousa, here is what I would select:

El Capitan
Sound Off
With Pleasure
The Crusader
The Free Lance
The Gladiator
Semper Fidelis
The Fairest of the Fair

As you can see, half of these eight pieces are on this disc. You'll have to look elsewhere to find the others.

I highly recommend this excellent album.

This album offers a valuable historic background into Sousa and his concept of how his music should be performed in a concert setting and the reason all parts are dual purpose - concert and parade.

The performance quality is above reproach - great players sensitive to the nuances demanded by their conductor/interpreter.

It certainly made me re-think my opinion of John Phillip and his music.

Good, crisp rendering of a fine selection of Sousa pieces. Conductor Timothy Foley is well respected.