Customer Reviews

John Philip Sousa: Music for Wind Band, Vol. 5

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The "British reserve" sound of the Royal Artillery Band, to which some have referred, is, according to friends who actually heard Sousa's Band - the touring band, not the one on records - probably closer to the authentic Sousa sound than to the more "brash" sounds of today to which we have become accustomed. Sousa used cornets, seated on the outside right, from the first circle to the rear, facing the podium. This produced a more mellow sonority than we're accustomed to hearing. This balance is apart from matters of performance style which conductor Brion takes care of well. The music is played, as nearly as can be determined, the way Sousa actually played. For authenticity I heartily recommend all five volumes in this set.

Why you should consider buying this:
1. Solid interpretations of Sousa's Music
2. A very balanced expressive wind band.
3. More than just marches.
4. Nice program notes with each track.

You may not want to buy this if:
You want just Sousa marches. Try Fredrick Fennel and the Eastman Wind Ensemble. Fennell Conducts Sousa

You might consider the Marine Band's recordings. They also play more than just Sousa marches.Sousa: Sousa Original - Volume 1; United States Marine Band Sousa Original II / United States Marine Band

I enjoy the music of John Philip Sousa. For 35 years I've listen to many interpretations of his marches. This CD is one of a series with the goal to record all of Sousa's works. The collection is an excellent representation of the "Sousa Style". I find it amazing that various conductors can bring out particular instruments that give the piece an extra flair, and these will give listeners something different that other directors have overlooked. Be assured that the director has paid attention to detail. Give a listen to the excerpts and hear the quality of the band. I believe it to be well balanced, expressive and virtually error free.