Customer Reviews

Sousa Original / United States Marine Band

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

 

 

Actually one of the better CDs of the limited Altissimo! line of products. At least we have the Marine band playing Sousa, as it should be, but many of the selections are what we have heard already on countless CDs of Sousa. A few of the selections here are different and worthwhile. The problems we encounter are a mixture of recording styles taken from different internal tracks from the Marine Band Library. These recordings were never intended for commercial use. Hence the un-even sound at times. Also the brief durration of the CD indicates as well that it was never intended for public use. Finally, lack of any worthwhile liner notes tops off a rather un-professional job overall.

This release by Altissimo! is a great collection of Sousa Recordings played by the band that Sousa made great. There are tons of Sousa recordings out there, but none feature the US Marine band. Sousa marches don't sound the same until you have heard them played by the Marines. Sousa wrote many of these marches while bandmaster of the Marines, thus the reason why the renditions of these works are so excellent here. The band playes with a real drive and energy, the likes of which few can compare. While not a large selection of marches, this CD is only volume one of a four volume set of Sousa's music featuring the US Marine band. (...) Now more than ever, with our nation in crisis, we need the inspired music of our great service bands.

This collection pales by comparison to others. The number of selections is half that of other offerings for the same or less money. A much better selection of more than 20 of the best Sousa offerings is offered on the fine Mercury recordings of the Eastman Wind Ensemble.

The President's Own play these like no other ensemble. I don't know what the current occupant of the White House thinks about them, but this wind ensemble is a national treasure in my book. This whole series is highly recommended. They play with more energy than the fine musicians of the Detroit Concert Band who sound a little bored on the complete Walking Frog set. They are a much finer ensemble, playing with greater precision and balance than Kieth Brion's British players on Naxos. The only weakness is in the documentation. There is none. We are not even told who the excellent conductor is. But that doesn't prevent one from enjoying the inspiring performances. Highly recommended!

I gave this to my father. He was thrilled by the collection of songs. He said the last track was a little scratchy and lower volume but that the sound quality of all of the other tracks was great.

Having taught music for 41 years, I do appreciate the quality of a good band, good music and a good recording. This series is all three! My only complaint is that the CD's are not long enough. I would like to have them last much longer. Enjoyed them very much!