Customer Reviews

Sousa: Marches

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This is a great CD re-issue of the Band of the Royal Marines School of Music under Graham Hoskins. This band did a three LP series on Sousa marches some years ago that was better than most on this very well covered topic. Sousa march recordings will always come and go, but some like this stand out more than others. For one, there is nothing like the panache of a Royal Marines band. Their sound is a time honored development that gets passed from one generation to the next. Even as the number of RM bands continues to change and downsize, there are now about four bands left in the service, their sound quality continues to be superb.

When these recordings were made RM bands were still at their height in the British service and their quality was amazing. Most bands numbered over 60 in this period, and that is why many Americans may be surprsed at the volume of music produced here. This is not one of your small, though excellent regimental bands! Americans tend to think that British military band instrumentation is on the thin side. Not so here! Of course Sousa always sounds best with either the Allentown band or the US Marine band.

This CD is evidence of how popular Sousa has always been in the UK, and with RM bands in particular. The selection here on two CDs covers most of the standard Sousa fair, with a few different selections here and there. Unfortunatley there are none of Sousa's fine transcriptions for classical music, or selections from his operettas. This music is always wonderful to have in combination with the marches as it shows how much variety he was capable of in his compositions. For that kind of concert the reader is referred to the very fine collection of Sousa music being done under the Naxos label by the Band of the Royal Artillery.

Here you will find a solid collection of Sousa's great marches. Roughly a third of those 136 compositions are contained here. The Royal Marines give a sharpe and clear sound to these works which should certainly inspire. You will also get a very nice idea how RM bands sounded back in the 1980s. Graham Hoskins was a fine director of music, typical of the inhouse genius of the Royal Marines Band Service at that time. He took this band on a USA tour in 1985 with the Arygll & Sutherland Highlanders. Devotees of Sousa should enjoy these spirited versions of the march king's music as performed across the pond.

I bought two audio casettes with these marches back in the 1980's and wore them out. These performances are hard to beat for virtuosity, enthusiasm, and sparkle. The sound quality is outstanding. And there are some marches that are rarely, if at all, available.

This 2 CD set is a classic at a very fine price. It's an absolute must have for any Sousa enthusiast for many reasons. 1)This is a LARGE double CD that is almost 80 mins long in total and under 20 dollars! 2)As one reviewer has mentioned already, virtually every popular Sousa song is here and then some. You can't easily find good renditions out there of some of these timeless classic marching band songs, but you have them all here on this set played with a high level of intensity displayed with virtuosity, energy and skill by one of the most prestigeous bands in the British military. You may become exhausted after the first CD because of the huge 22 track selection. Then you have another 21 aditional selections available on disc 2. Be careful! You could OD on Sousa here if you're not careful. It's also interesting to note that this is a compilation of Sousa "hits" recorded in 1983, 1984 and 1987 and assuming the fact that various band members may have left the band and been replaced over those years, the quality of the performances are all on the same high level. Sound quality is an A+. This album is a must have CD for any lover of Sousa/Military music. You can't go wrong with this album. It's a must have. Normally, a 2 CD set of this quality would sell for much more than the asking price on Amazon. Buy it and enjoy it!

My dad had a 45-RPM vinyl record set titled "America's Favorite Marches", featuring The Cities Service Band of America conducted by Paul Lavalle. The set was on RCA Victor label, dated 1956. I used to listen to them for hours on end as a kid. Their rendition of "Semper Fidelis" was the best, live or canned, that I have heard ever since. In fact, I tend to measure all renditions of Sousa's marches against the versions on my Dad's records, and so far, none have quite measured up, including the version on this CD. The marches as arranged and conducted by Paul Lavalle conveyed with authority the unmistakable American sound that is the hallmark of Sousa's music. They have the right tempo and flair, energetic, enthusiastic, optimistic, martial. Compared to Lavalle's interpretations, the versions of Sousa's marches on this CD sound rather meek. Since this CD represents my last best effort to find something that sounds close to Lavalle's efforts, I will now attempt to restore my dad's 45s records.

I love Sousa marches and this collection by the Band of the HR Royal Marines under Col. G.A.C Hoskins is by far the best of my marching band cds.

I purchased these marches to use with my exercise class, and we are totally satisfied. The Royal Marines keep a very consistent and marchable tempo. The wide variety of music offers Sousa melodies that are usually not available. Two CDs for this price is a wonderful value. Bravo to everyone who participated in making these wonderful CDs

Great value 2 cd disc set cut in the early 1980's & remastered the sound of the Royal Marines Band is nothing short of terrific. Judging by the sound would not be surprised for this to be a combined double RM band. These 1st chair players give Sousa's great marches that extra kick that takes the "March Kings" music to that higher level. By the center quick march!!!!

I love Sousa marches but this recording while comprehensive and cheep lacks much to be desired in the musical rendension. It lacks the spark and musicality of Sousa.