Customer Reviews

Great American Marches I - John Phillip Sousa

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For those who have never heard the Royal Marines Band you have a real treat in store. The crisp precision of this Band coupled with the brilliance of Sousa is a combination that is irresistable. The selections are classic turn of the century American culture set to music. A must for Sousa collectors, and a joy for those who want to hear a precision military Band!

I am absolutely shocked that this CD does not include Stars and Stripes Forever. That piece is Sousa's masterpiece and trademark!!!!!

This is an enjoyable set. Its main virtue is the inclusion of many less well-known marches that are unavailable on other recordings. I was told that "Daughters of Texas" and "Belle of Chicago" were played at the Obama inauguration by the Marine Band. (For the disappointed reviewer "Stars and Stripes does appear on Volume II.) The performances are not quite up to the standard of some other bands. I find the bass drum annoyingly obtrusive. For the more familiar marches I recommend "Fennell conducts Sousa" and Fennell conducts "Hands across the Sea."