John Philip Sousa | Composers

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John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa

Born
06.11.1854 in Washington (USA)

Died
06.03.1932 in Reading (USA)

Info

John Philip Sousa wurde am 06. Nov. 1854 in Washington geboren. Sein Vater John Antonio Sousa war als Portugiese aus Spanien in die Vereinigten Staaten gekommen, während seine Mutter Maria Elisabeth Trinkhaus aus Fränkisch Crumbach, in der Nähe von Darmstadt, stammte. Sousa erhielt seine Schulausbildung in Washington, besuchte jedoch gleichzeitig ein privates Konservatorium. Im Alter von 13 Jahren trat er in das Musikkorps der Marineinfanterie (Marine Band) als Musikeleve ein, verfolgte aber parallel hierzu seine privaten Musikstudien weiter. Nach einer Ausbildungszeit von sieben Jahren wurde er aus der Marineinfanterie entlassen, um anschließend als Solist (Violine) und Theaterkapellmeister in Washington und Philadelphia tätig zu werden.

Um 1880 war Sousas Ruf als Komponist, Arrangeur und bekannter Dirigent gefestigt, so dass er geradezu folgerichtig als 17. Leiter in der Geschichte der Marine Band an die Spitze dieses Musikkorps berufen wurde. Während seiner Zeit als Leiter dieses Orchesters gelang es ihm, es zu einem der führenden und besten Militärorchester der Welt aufzubauen.

Nach zwölf Jahren verließ Sousa 1892 die Marineinfanterie und gründete anschließend sein eigenes ziviles Konzertblasorchester; es war mithin kein Musikkorps für Paraden und vergleichbare Anlässe. Innerhalb kurzer Zeit gelang es ihm, einige der berühmtesten Musiker seiner Zeit zu engagieren, unter denen sich so berühmte Persönlichkeiten wie Herbert L. Clarke (Kornett/Trompete), Arthur Pryor (Posaune), Simone Mantia (Euphonium) und andere mehr befanden, so dass er sich schon nach kurzer Zeit mit den führenden Orchestern der Vereinigten Staaten messen konnte.

Bei Sousas Konzertreisen um die Welt, besonders jedoch bei seinen Tourneen nach Europa, das er insgesamt vier Mal besuchte, begeisterte er sein Publikum durch die hohe Perfektion, welche seine Konzerte bestimmte und zwar gleichgültig, ob er erlesene klassische Musik bot oder ein zur Zeit beliebtes Schlagerlied.

Sousa zeichnete neben seiner großen Begabung ein hohes Maß an Selbstdisziplin aus. Alles was er anfasste, geriet zum Besten; dabei war er jedoch nicht anmaßend, sondern galt als ausgesprochen tolerant. Sein Hauptziel war es stets, sein Publikum zu erfreuen und zufrieden zu stellen. Es sollte auch keinesfalls übersehen werden, dass er nach etlichen zeitgenössischen Quellen als ein Mann von hoher Moral galt, entschlossen und fleißig.

John Philip Sousa war der erste amerikanische Komponist, der nicht nur einen großen Einfluss im eigenen Land besaß, sondern vielleicht noch mehr im Ausland. Selbst sein großer Kollege Julius Fucík, der damals zu den führenden Militärkapellmeistern Österreich-Ungarns zählte, fühlte sich geschmeichelt, wenn man von ihm als dem „böhmischen Sousa“ sprach. Die besondere Art der Darbietung seiner Konzerte sowie der Stil seiner Märsche übte vor allem in Europa unmittelbaren Einfluss auf viele bekannte Komponisten aus. Bedauerlicherweise hat man heute eine Tatsache verdrängt, die man in Kreisen der Blasmusik jedoch wissen sollte: Wesentliche Impulse zur Entwicklung des Konzertblasorchesters gehen nämlich auf die Aktivitäten von John Philip Sousa zurück.

Obgleich Sousa ein vielseitiger Komponist war und 15 Operetten, Suiten, Humoresken, programmatische Konzertmusik, Tänze usw. schuf und keinesfalls für das Blasorchester alleine arbeitete, wird seine Schaffenskraft im allgemeinen in einengender Weise betrachtet, denn in überwiegendem Maße ist er nur als Marschkomponist ein Begriff.

Es mag durchaus auf den Einfluss seiner strenggläubigen deutschen Mutter zurückzuführen sein, dass Sousa nur dann komponierte, wenn er eine echte Eingebung verspürte und dass er wiederholt ausführte, seine Melodien kämen von einer „höheren Macht“.

Sousa gehörte zu den Menschen, die ohne Unterbrechung arbeiten und es erstaunt daher nicht, dass er nach einer Konzertprobe am 06. März 1932 in Reading, im Staate Pennsylvania, verstarb.

Sousa fand posthum Aufnahme in die Hall of Fame for Great Americans (Ruhmeshalle großer Amerikaner), die im Jahre 1900 geschaffen wurde. Nur 102 Persönlichkeiten aus den Vereinigten Staaten wurden bis heute durch diese besondere Ehrung ausgezeichnet.

Current Title

Sousa-Highlights

Sousa-Highlights

Hands Across The Sea

Hands Across The Sea

The Thunderer

The Thunderer

The Washington Post

The Washington Post

Semper Fidelis

Semper Fidelis

Listen & read from the Rundel YouTube Channel

RUNDEL VIDEO

Semper Fidelis

Notes available at:
https://www.rundel.de/en/

During his musical career, John Philip Sousa referred to the march “Semper Fidelis”, which he...
RUNDEL VIDEO

The Thunderer

Notes available at:
https://www.rundel.de/en/

In 1889 John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was thirty-five years old and had already been director...
RUNDEL VIDEO

Hands Across The Sea

Notes available at:
https://www.rundel.de/en/

In 1899 a march by John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) had its premiere in the Philadelphia Academy...

Music by John Philip Sousa

FILTER (47)
FILTER (47)
Total
Compositions
Recordings

Sousa-Highlights

Sousa-Highlights

- John Philip Sousa March Medley - The "Sousa Highlights" medley presents the great American march king John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) in a different light. The timeless melodies inspired Manfred...
Accordion Orchestra
MVSR1532AK
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Listen
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Donausagen

Donausagen

Florentiner Marsch - Der alte Brummbär - The Gladiator - Donausagen - Across the Danube - Humoresque - Fanfare Sounds - Concert Waltzes - The Children of the Regiment - Second Fantasia from "El...
CD (Compact Disc)
TDIV589
Wishlist

Hands Across The Sea

Hands Across The Sea

In 1899 a march by John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) had its premiere in the Philadelphia Academy of Music, which later was to become one of his greatest successes: “Hands Across The Sea“. In an...
Concert Band
MVSR2468
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Listen
Read
YouTube

Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble Vol. 23

Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble Vol. 23

For The President's Own - Flourishes and Meditations on a Renaissance Theme - Rest - Silverado - Song of Hope for Wind Orchestra - Solid Men to the Front - Angel of Mercy - Symphony No.2...
CD (Compact Disc)
TDIV577
Wishlist

Porgy and Bess

Slava! - Divertimento for Winds and Percussion - A Copland Portrait - Fantasy Variations (on George Gergshwin's prelude II for Piano) - Divertimento - El Salon Mexico - Porgy and Bess - The...
CD (Compact Disc)
TDIV570
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Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble Vol. 21

Festive Overture, Op. 96 - Hymn for the Innocent - Wellington March - Symphony No. 4, Unforsaken - Joyride - Fragile Oasis - Wisconsin Forward Forever March - Give Us This Day
CD (Compact Disc)
TDIV567
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Villa Musica

RUNDEL | audio | compact disc | CD | 75 The Middle Army Band (Das Musikkorps Mitte des Japanischen Heeres in der Präfektur Hyogo) Villa Musica - Respicere - Suite aus der "Wassermusik" -...
CD (Compact Disc)
MVSR075-2
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Märsche - damals wie heute

Excelsior Alemannia! - Graf Eberhard-Marsch - Fribourg - Graf Zeppelin-Marsch - In Treue fest! - König Karl - Danubia - Across the Danube - Salemonia - Marsch Infanterie-Regiment...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8158
Wishlist

The Free Lance March

Composed in 1905, this classic and sophisticated march by John Philip Sousa is unique from the standpoint of opening in 6/8, then switching to 2/4 midway. Jay Bocook has skillfully adapted this...
Concert Band
HL04003924
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Listen
Youtube

Naohiro Iwai Collection Vol. 2

Japan's Folksong Medley - Soran Bushi 2 - Classical Pops Medley 2 - Sousa's March Medley - Pops Opening (Introduction to Pops) - Get It On - Fly Me To The Moon - Standard Jazz Medley -...
CD (Compact Disc)
TDIV555
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RUNDEL Promo 2010

The RUNDEL promo catalog 2/2010 includes 38 new band pieces from RUNDEL Music Publications plus sample audio CD. You can listen to the audio samples here online or order the printed catalog with...
Concert Band
KAT10.2
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Washington Post March

This lively 6/8 march from John Philip Sousa remains one of his best-known and most performed marches. While keeping the essence of the original intact, Jay Bocook does a masterful job of adjusting...
Concert Band
HL04002891
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Youtube

U.S. Field Artillery March

With the trio of "The Caissons Song", the "U.S. Field Artillery March" by John Phillip Sousa is one of his most recognizable marches. This arrangement by Rob Romeyn captures the...
Concert Band
BAR0113823
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Merry-Go-Round

Gala Fanfare (from Five Festive Fanfares) - The Centurion - Sheep May Safltly Graze - Eloise - ...the quest for peace... - Merry-Go-Round - MacArthur Park - Valerius Variations - The Black Horse...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8472
Wishlist

Semper Fidelis

One of the most famous marches of all time, this Sousa classic is also the official march of the United States Marine Corps. With Paul Lavender's skillful arrangement, now even young players can...
Concert Band
HL08725072
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The Black Horse Troop

What a way to open any concert. The Black Horse Troopis one of John Philip Sousa?s best known marches and was described by the great Frederick Fennell as ?a regimental march of classic content and...
Concert Band
AMP172
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The Thunderer

In 1889 John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was thirty-five years old and had already been director of the renowned Washington-based ‘Marine Band’ for nine years. On the basis of his activities...
Concert Band
MVSR2437
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YouTube

Sousa March Carnival

Includes: The High School Cadets - El Capitan - The Thunderer - Stars and Stripes Forever New Sounds for Concert Band 100
Concert Band
DHP1043550
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Opening

RUNDEL | audio | compact disc | CD | 13 Prelude for Band - Romeo & Julia - Solistenparade - The Gladiator - Launische Klarinetten - Opening - Time to Relax - Sousa-Highlights (Medley) - Herzog...
CD (Compact Disc)
MVSR013-2
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The Washington Post

In the company history of “The Washington Post“, one of the major American newspapers, the following entry is shown under the year ‘1889’: “On June 15, at an essay awards ceremony on the mall, United...
Concert Band
MVSR2414
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Semper Fidelis

During his musical career, John Philip Sousa referred to the march “Semper Fidelis”, which he had composed in 1888 (probably during summer) as the official march of the United States Marine Corps. He...
Concert Band
MVSR2402
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Listen
Read
YouTube

Sparke meets Sousa

- NO LONGER AVAILABLE - ONLY DIGITAL - The Beau Ideal - The Black Horse Troup - El Capitan - The Fairest of the Fair - Hands Across the Sea - The High School Cadets - The Invincible Eagle - King...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8508
no longer available
Wishlist

The Sousa Scramble (Medley)

Ever have trouble identifying which Sousa march you're hearing? Paul Murtha complicates it even more by rearranging several of Sousa's march fragments into a clever novelty that will lighten up any...
Concert Band
HL08724686
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The Fairest of the Fair

One of Sousa’s most outstanding marches in a brand new edition created from the original Sousa Band’s traveling parts. Includes extensive program notes and performance suggestions and authorized by...
Concert Band
BARWBM3062
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Read
Youtube

Marching with Mr. Sousa

John Philip Sousa was one of the greatest march composers of all time. His compositions became famous all over the world and are real march classics. Siegfried Rundel used some of Sousa's...
Fifes and Drums
MVSR1726SC
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Marching with Mr. Sousa

John Philip Sousa was one of the greatest march composers of all time. His compositions became famous all over the world and are real march classics. Siegfried Rundel used some of Sousa's...
Fifes and Drums
MVSR1726SZ
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RUNDEL Marsch Collection Vol.1

RUNDEL | audio | compact disc | CD | 14 Abschied der Slawin - Des Grossen Kurfürsten Reitermarsch - Hoch Heidecksburg - Schneidig Vor - Der Sonne entgegen - Das Abzeichen - Das Siegesschwert...
CD (Compact Disc)
MVSR014-2
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Sousa's Holiday - The Thunderer

Born in Washington D.C. in 1854, the “American March King” composed over 100 marches, operettas, dance music, and arias. This is a fun samba style arrangement of famous Sousa march The...
Concert Band
POMS-81001
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Youtube

Sousa's Holiday - The Stars and Stripes Forever

Celebrate the most famous charismatic march Stars and Stripes in this jazz swing style arrangement. Born in Washington D.C. in 1854, the “American March King” composed over 100...
Concert Band
POMS-81002
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Read
Youtube

Sousa - The March King

Includes: High School Cadets - The Thunderer - El Capitan - Stars and Stripes Forever Belwin Beginning Band Series Grade 1
Concert Band
WBBD9737
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Read

Symphony On Themes Of Sousa

- NO LONGER AVAILABLE - American Band Repertoire by ff Symphony on Themes of Sousa - The Washington Post - The Thunderer - The Fairest of the Fair - Hands Across the...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8796
no longer available
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Three Quotations

While John Philip Sousa is justly well-known for his fine marches, his preferred form of composition for concert band was the suite of character pieces. "Three Quoatations" is a delightful trio of...
Concert Band
SMC708
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Listen

Radetzky Forever

Ein musikalischer Witz basierend auf dem berühmten "Radetzky Marsch" von Johann Strauß und dem bekannten amerikanischen Marsch "Stars and Stripes Forever" von John Philip Sousa.
Concert Band
BER96.0127
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Listen
Read

Marching with Mr. Sousa

John Philip Sousa was one of the greatest march composers of all time. His compositions became famous all over the world and are real march classics. Siegfried Rundel used some of Sousa's best-known...
Fanfare Band (Dutch Type)
MVSR1726F
Wishlist

Marching with Mr. Sousa

John Philip Sousa was one of the greatest march composers of all time. His compositions became famous all over the world and are real march classics. Siegfried Rundel used some of Sousa's best-known...
Concert Band
MVSR1726
Wishlist
Listen
Read

Stars and Stripes Forever

Sousa's most popular march in a version that beginners can play and enjoy. First Concepts Series Grade 0,5-1
Concert Band
HL24823042
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Moment Musical

RUNDEL | audio | compact disc | CD | 1 Marsch aus »Herkules« - Toccata BuxWV 157 - Allegretto aus der Sinfonie Nr.100 (Militärsinfonie) - Figaro-Marsch - Zwischenaktmusik Nr.2 aus...
CD (Compact Disc)
MVSR001-2
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Hands Across the Sea

Fennell`s Wind Ensemble Series 7

Hands Across the Sea - The Liberty Bell - The Rifle Regiment - The Glory of the Yankee Navy - The Black Horse Troop - Daughters of Texas - The High School...
CD (Compact Disc)
T9034
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Sousa-Highlights

This medley Sousa-Highlights presents the great American "king of march" John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) in a new light. His timeless melodies inspired Manfred Schneider to use them for a...
Concert Band
MVSR1532
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Listen
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Fucik und Sousa

A verry effective two-part medley (with optional choir) of marches by Julius Fucik and John Philip Sousa.
Concert Band
MVSR1817
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The Liberty Bell

The stirring march The Liberty Bell dates back to this time (1893) and is typical for the music composed during Sousa’s first creative period. The title refers to a spectacle called ”America” which...
Concert Band
MVSR0373
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The Washington Post March

- NO LONGER AVAILABLE - One of Sousa's best known marches is available for younger bands, thanks to the careful work of arranger Eric Osterling. Basic 1 Band Series Grade...
Concert Band
HL22623030
no longer available
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Unter dem Sternenbanner

Der amerikanische Militärmarsch „The Stars and Stripes Forever„ (dt. Titel: „Unter dem Sternenbanner“) wurde 1896 von John Philip Sousa komponiert und am 11. Dezember 1987 von US-Präsident Ronald...
Concert Band
MVSR0386
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The Gladiator

John Philip Sousa was born in Washington in 1854 as son of a Portuguese father and a German mother. Today he is regarded as "King of March" and wrote more that 100 pieces that became...
Concert Band
MVSR0369
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El Capitan

Almost everbody knows the great marches of John Philip Sousa. Less famous are his operettas, such as "El Capitan" that was premiered in the Tremont Theatre in Boston on April 20, 1896. The...
Concert Band
MVSR0177
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Sousa! (Medley)

Here's one of the most spectacular program number ever written! Only the talents of Warren Barker could produce this rhapsodic medley of Sousa's favorite marches, ending with a version of The...
Concert Band
HL20819100
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Serenadenkonzert

Heeresmusikkorps 300 Koblenz - Leitung: Oberstleutnant Georg Czerner Seite A: Prelude for Band (Schneider) - Solistenparade (Schneider) - Sousa-Highlights (Sousa / Schneider) - Time to Relax...
LP (vinyl record)
T10002S
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