"Sousa - Humoresques & Descriptive Vignettes"
While deservedly known as America's "March King," Sousa also was an accomplished composer of operettas, descriptive pieces, songs, humoresques, waltzes and other dance forms. The incredible success of the Sousa band was in no small part due to the fact that Sousa was also a master showman. He was able to read the musical tastes of his audiences and he provided what they wanted, which frequently included an unabashed touch of humor. A brilliant arranger, Sousa developed his humoresques with the use of clever variations on a well-known melody or series of songs.
Volume 29 showcases this part of his vast output with this collection of "seldom heard Sousa."
Selections on This Recording
Mikado March
Humoresque on Jerome Kern's "Look for the Silver Lining"
Humoresque: Listen to My Tale of Woe
Intaglio Waltzes
The Chantyman's March
Humoresque: Swanee
A Mingling of the Wets and Drys
(A Prohibition-Era Fantasy)
Cubaland Suite
1. Under the Spanish Flag
2. Under the American Flag
3. Under the Cuban Flag
Mother Hubbard March
Mother Goose March