John Philip Sousa (1854-1932)
Volume 2: At the Symphony

Sousa said a march 'should make a man with a wooden leg step out', and his surely did However, he was no mere maker of marches, but an exceptionally inventive composer of over two hundred works, including symphonic poems, suites, songs and operettas created for both orchestra and for band. John Philip Sousa personified the innocent energy of turn-of-the-century America, still a new nation, and he represented America across the globe. His American tours first brought classical music to hundreds of towns. While Sousa's fame as a bandmaster needs little comment, far less is known about his formative years as an orchestral composer, conductor and violinist.

Born in Washington DC on 6th November, 1854, Sousa developed with startling quickness. Fame was no accident Sousa's father was a trombonist with the United States Marine Band. By the age of six, his musical talent had become apparent and h