Customer Reviews

Sousa Marches: Stars and Stripes Forever

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

 

 

All of the best-known Sousa marches are contained within this collection, along with a few lesser-known marches. I suppose the producers of this album could have been a little more generous (it contains a little over 41 minutes in music), but one cannot find fault with the quality of the performances.

Sousa purists will note that some of the tempos are not quite what Sousa himself intended, but they should also appreciate the quality of the performances, which remind the listener more of the classic concert band, as opposed to the percussion-heavy marching band sound. We have all heard marching bands massacre Sousa marches on a regular basis; in reality, the Sousa band almost marched, and generally performed in a concert hall setting. This recording, with brass & reeds well-balanced & understated, and the percussion in a supporting rather dominating role, allows all of the complexities of Sousa's compostions to come to the fore.

It is true enough that these marches can be found in just about any recorded Sousa collection, but the calibre of the performance merits the inclusion of this CD in any devoted Sousa fan's collection.

I got the tape of this album as a gift, and I always swore if I ever found it on CD I'd pick it up. It's a very likeable record, featuring solid, toe-tapping performances of all Sousa's best-known marches, plus some lesser-known but wonderful compositions. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because we own some old 78s recorded by the Sousa band, and some of the tempos and phrasings used on this CD are not quite what Sousa had in mind. But that's getting pretty picky, and frankly, this is a very easy CD to enjoy on its own merits. It gets a lot of play around our house, and not just on patriotic holidays, either.

We love this recording, especially enjoy the lesser known marches (Corcoran Cadets and Directorate are our favorites. We enjoy the tuba

I love marches, and I especially love John Philip Sousa. Many years ago I go this CD when I joined a CD club. It's an absolute winner. My collection contains original Sousa recordings as well as contemporary bands such as the Goldman Band when it was composed of some original Sousa band members and the celebrated Arthur Fiedler and Boston Pops series. But this is the one I keep coming back to. Why?

The orchestration for me is superb. All the nuances are there. That's the fun of orchestral music. It's the counterpoints and little additions that make marches come alive. This one does that oh so well. I also appreciate that the conductor did not make the percussion section a central point. Listen for the bell in "The Liberty Bell." Rather it subtly adds its own flavor to the recipe. Yep, the tempo may not be to your liking but it is enough to get your foot tapping.

Engineering is outstanding. The stereo imaging is superb. Especially noticeable is how the engineer was able to accentuate different parts of the orchestra at just the right times. Especially noticeable is a "wave effect" by the brass in a part of "The Spirit of Liberty." This is a digital recording so the presentation may be a bit bright and not as musical for some. I think you will overlook this once you hear how well mixed the recording is.

The band is very good. I do not know how big a band (Wikipedia indicates as many as 10 members at a time) is in the recording but it fully presents each piece in a melodious manner. Each instrument is beautifully played and always at just the right volume. The result is a blend that is martial, sophisticated, and melodious.

I only wish that this band had recorded other marches especially 'National Emblem" which I think would be absolutely stunning. Alas it was not done so for now I'll have to keep searching for a superb recording of that march.

Sit back with a set of earphones and let the music carry you off. Listen deeply into the recording and perhaps you'll hear the sounds of marching sailors, airmen and soldiers. Perhaps you will remember a time when you paraded on the last day of boot camp to similar music. Let the music take you to another place perhaps long lost but maybe right next door.

If you like your Sousa played with brisk tempos and utmost precision, this disc is for you. Brilliant, early digital recording from Kingsway Hall (recorded 1983); the sound is still spectacular. "The Liberty Bell" could have USED a bit more bell for my taste, but this is a minor quibble. Highest rating.

An earlier reviewer notes that "the producers of this album could have been a little more generous," but in fact, they couldn't, as the original album was produced in 1984, in the vinyl LP record and cassette tape era, and back then, 40 minutes of music (20 minutes per side) was pretty much industry standard. Theoretically I suppose additional tracks could have been added for the CD reissue, but since even the artwork is identical to the '84 original, I guess they just wanted to to keep everything the way it was originally conceived. Remember, "LP" meant "long playing," and in comparison to the typical 10-inch 78 RPM record that preceded LPs, which averaged about three minutes of music per side, this was long-playing indeed. You get the same amount of music you got 25 years ago, and adjusting for inflation, you get it for less money, considering that a typical LP clost about $7.00 way back in 1984!