The Music of John Philip Sousa

 

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A guide to dates and a brief description of his music

 
Composition date Type A brief background
Review 1873 march One of Sousa's first efforts.
Revival 1876 march Probably Sousa's earliest march and dedicated to the Salvation Army.
The International Congress 1876 Fantasy Suggested by composer Jacques Offenbach and is a combination of National airs of many countries.
Myrrha Gavotte 1876 gavotte A dedicatory number which had as it's basis a String Quartette in which Sousa played violin.
On Wings of Lightning 1876 gallop Requested by a Philadelphia orchestra jobber  and composed while Sousa was a violinist in the theatre orchestra.
The Honored Dead 1876 march This was arranged by Sousa from the piano score and was written by C.H. Hattersley.
Across The Danube 1877 march One of Sousa first 10 marches inspired by battles on the Danube of 1877.
The Free Lunch Cadets 1877 song A humorous  minstrel song by Sousa.
Silver Spray 1878 schottische In the late 1870's Sousa dedicated this to a Washington acquaintance Charles F Eaton and was taken from the use of the expressions which had the word SILVER in them.
Esprit De Corps 1878 march Dedicated to the US Marine Corps.
On the Tramp 1879 march Based on the popular song of the day " Out of Work".
Resumption March 1879 march A return to gold and silver coins prompted Sousa to write this march.
Globe and Eagle 1879 march Taken from the emblem of the US Marine Corps.
Our Flirtations 1880 march Sousa wrote this march while conductor of the Philadelphia theatrical company. This march was to be the pattern of most marches by Sousa that followed thereafter.
Lily Bells 1880 musical This was taken from Our Flirtations a three act musical by Sousa.
In Parlor and Street 1880 fantasy When Sousa became conductor of the Marine band he introduced this medley of  opera and operetta favorites of the day.
Recognition March 1880 march This may have been known as Salutation and was unpublished. The copyist made numerous mistakes and it was updated by Gay Corrie in the 1970"s.
Nymphalin 1880 reverie This beautiful violin solo is considered by his family to be one of his most beautiful melodies
Yorktown Centennial 1881 march Written to commemorate the last important battle of the Revolutionary war of Independence.
The Wolverine 1881 march Dedicated to the Governor of Michigan David H Jerome.
Right Forward 1881 march A military march based on a drill command used by the United States Marines.
President Garfield's Inauguration March 1881 march In his first year of tenure as bandmaster of the US Marine band Sousa's most important engagement was the swearing in of President Garfield, as a result he dedicated this march to the occasion. This march was never published for band.
In Memoriam-Garfield's Funeral March 1881 slow march

(dirge)

 This funeral march was written  by Sousa for Garfield's funeral . Garfield was assassinated soon after taking office.
Guide Right 1881 march One of two marches written by Sousa while bandmaster of the US Marines band and the title was derived from the US Marines drill command by the same name.
Congress Hall 1882 march Named for the historic inn at Cape May New Jersey.
Right- Left 1883 march The name was taken from the drill calls used by the US Marines.
Bonnie Annie Laurie 1883 march Sousa's favorite ballad was Annie Laurie and he wrote this march based on it's thematic.
Mother Goose 1883 march This was the first of two medley marches of nursery rhymes.
Pet of the Petticoats 1883 march The origin is unknown but the speculation is that it was a tongue- in- cheek salute to some personal friend of JPS.
The Transit of Venus 1883 march The phenomenon of the transit of Venus inspired Sousa to write this march.
The White Plume 1884 march This march based on a political expression and originally a song "We'll follow where the White Plume Waves".  Sousa eventually transferred this into the march medium
Mother Hubbard 1885 march Part of a series of Marches based on nursery Rhymes.
The Stag party 1885 humoresque Popular songs of the day arranged by Sousa and which told a story.
Mikado 1885 march Sousa used themes from Gilbert and Sullivan's musical offering the "Mikado".
Sound Off 1885 march Traditionalists have selected this march as one with the most features of a military march. The title comes from the drill command "Sound Off".
Triumph of Time 1885 march This march is an obscure composition for which there is no information, but may have come from the long tradition of the US Marine Corps.
La Reine De La Mer Valses 1886 waltz Played by Sousa on his departure from the US Marines. It remained his favorite throughout his lifetime.
Vautour 1886 overture an orchestral overture written for a play called Vautour.
Tally-Ho 1886 Overture Sousa co-authored a play by the same name and later wrote a song as well called Tally-Ho.
Presidential Polonaise 1886 Polonaise Requested by President Chester A Arthur and it was suggested that it might replace Hail to the Chief.
Ben Bolt 1886 march A medley of popular songs of this era including Daisy and Ben Bolt.
The Rifle Regiment 1886 march This very popular and stirring march was written for the 3rd United Sates Infantry of Fort Myer Virginia.
The Gladiator 1886 march This march was an outstanding success and remains one of his best compositions.
The Occidental 1887 march Little is known regarding this march he left no dedication nor was it mentioned in his autobiography.
The Coquette 1887 caprice This was an early dance which was seldom performed until 1901 when it was incorporated into a short suite called Maidens Three.
The Crusader 1888 march This march was inspired by Sousa's Masonic affiliation.
Semper Fidelis 1888 march Dedicated to the Officers and men of the US Marines "Always Faithful" is their motto.
National Fencibles 1888 march This march was dedicated to the superb drill team known as the "National Fencibles".
The Man Behind the Gun 1889 march This was taken from the Sousa operetta "Chris and the wonderful Lamp".
The Thunderer 1889 march One of the finest marches ever written, it had as it's dedication the Masonic group - Knight's Templar of Washington.
The Picador 1889 march This march may have come about because of Sousa's fondness for Bullfighting.
Queen of the Harvest 1889 quadrille This number was transcribed for band by Gay Corrie from an orchestra version.
The Quilting Party 1889 march The song by the same name was a popular song in America in the late 1880's however the march has languished in obscurity.
Washington Post 1889 march One of the world's most popular marches it was requested by the owners of the newspaper it is named for and first introduced at the Smithsonian Museum.
Corcoran Cadets 1890 march Dedicated to both the sharp Washington DC drill team and to philanthropist William C Corcoran.
The Chariot Race 1890 descriptive piece Sousa was inspired by the popular novel by Lew Wallace Ben Hur.
The High School Cadets 1890 march Following the civil war drill teams came into vogue and the best known one was at the Washington High School. This became one of Sousa's most popular compositions.
The Loyal Legion 1890 march Written for the twenty-fifth celebration of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. A group composed of Civil war officers.
Marching Through Georgia 1891 Arrangement Sousa arranged this Henry Clay work into a patrol.
Sheridan's Ride 1891 Descriptive Piece Taken from  a Civil War Poem by the same name.
Tyrolienne 1892 Fantasy taken from an old traditional French tune.
The Belle of Chicago 1892 march Dedicated to the ladies of Chicago the march was not well received by the news media.
On Parade (The Lion Tamer) 1892 march From the orchestrated Operetta "The Lion Tamer".
Songs of  Grace and Songs of  Glory 1892 fantasy This is a medley of well known hymns which includes "Lead Kindly Light" and "Nearer My God to Thee"..
The Triton 1892 march This march remains obscure despite the fact that it had several names including the "Paris Exposition" march.
The Last Days of Pompeii 1893 Suite Sousa's favorite - a descriptive as the name suggests.
The Beau Ideal 1893 march Written for the National League of American Musicians it was intended as a salute to the Sousa band musicians.
The Liberty Bell 1893 march Sousa wrote this march in dedication of  the   Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
Manhattan Beach 1893 march Named for the old New York City summer resort where Sousa played numerous engagements.
The Directorate 1894 march This was dedicated to the board of Directors of the St Louis Exposition.
Oh, Warrior Grim 1895 Selections from Operetta Taken from the successful operetta El Capitan.
Three Quotations 1895 suite taken from literary quotations the suite included sixteenth century writings.
King Cotton 1895 march Written for the Cotton States and Exposition held in Atlanta in 1895. It became one of Sousa's top 10 marches.
The Stars and Stripes Forever 1896 march Very often called the greatest march of all time Sousa wrote this march as a result of seeing the American flag on a ship. It represents the epitome of his patriotic fervor.
El Capitan 1896 march Certainly one of Sousa's most popular marches and taken from his operetta it contains several melodies from taken from the musical.
EL Capitan 1896 waltzes Taken from the most widely performed of Sousa's operettas EL Capitan.
The Colonial Dames 1896 waltzes This waltz was rescued from obscurity by the US marines band.
El Capitan 1896 Selections from the Operetta El Capitan was rich in happy and colorful tunes and Sousa often performed his transcriptions of his operetta music.
The Bride Elect 1897 Selections from Operetta A Comic opera.
The Bride Elect 1897 march Sousa developed this march from his operetta by the same name and the principal theme came from Act 2 song "Unchain the Dogs of War".
The Bride Elect 1897 sextet This sextet from the operetta by the same name was called "An Awkward Complication".
The Charlatan 1898 march Extracted from Sousa's opera by the same name, this march has languished since it was written.
The Charlatan 1898 selections from the operetta The selections were never published for band but a later arrangement and edited copy do remain.
Hands Across The Sea 1899 march It refers to a Bond of Friendship following the Spanish American War.
Hail to the Spirit of Liberty 1900 march This march reflects the patriotic fervor of Sousa.
The Invincible Eagle 1901 march This sterling march celebrated Sousa's American patriotism and was dedicated to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo New York.
Rose, Thistle and Shamrock 1901 fantasy Sousa wrote this arrangement for his second European tour and the songs are representative of England, Ireland and Scotland.
The Pride of Pittsburgh 1901 march This march remains unpublished and incorporated tunes by natives of Pittsburgh-Stephan Foster and Ethelbert Nevin.
The Charlatan 1901 waltzes from the operetta These waltzes represent music which was released from his operetta of the same name.
Imperial Edward 1902 march Composed for a Command performance and permission was granted for the performance of this march at the court of Edward VII.
Looking Upward 1902 suite Inspired by the night Sky the three numbers eventually became separate program marches-By the Light of the Polar Star, Beneath the Southern Cross and Mars and Venus.
Jack Tar 1903 march This was dedicated to the British Navy and the universal name given her sailors "Jack Tars".
The Diplomat 1904 march Dedicated to Milton Hay the Secretary of  State during the early 1900's.
At the King's Court 1904 suite This suite came about because of Sousa's Command performances in Britain.
The Free Lance 1905 Selection A operetta (musical play) by Sousa which has had some revival in the 1970's.
The Free Lance 1906 march Taken from the operetta by the same name and developed from the thematic song "On to Victory" This march is considered by many to rank with the Stars and Stripes.
Powhatan's Daughter 1907 march Written for Jamestown Virginia commemorating the first English settlement in America.
I've Made my Plans For Summer 1907 song This humorous song was a response to a marriage proposal by a young lady who would make her decision at summer's end.
The Fairest of the Fair 1908 march Dedicated to the Boston Food fair and a young woman who the center of attention at one of the displays.
The Glory of the Yankee Navy 1909 march A piece written for the musical comedy entitled The Yankee Girl.
The Federal 1910 march This march was initially called the Golden Fleece for the Sousa band visit to Australia but changed at the suggestion of the Commissioner to Australia.
Dwellers of the Western World 1910 Suite This suite is descriptive of the three principal races inhabiting America. It is martial in nature. The Red man, The White man, The Black man.
Tales of a Traveler 1911 Suite This suite was inspired by Sousa's multi travels around the world.
The Gliding Girl 1912 tango A favorite of  Sousa's from his vast repertoire of dance music.
The American Maid 1913 Suite The four numbers from the operetta by the same name were -Do you need a Doctor, The Sleeping Soldiers, With Pleasure, and from Maine to Oregon. The musical had a short run.
The Lambs 1914 march Dedicated to the actors club of New York organization the Lambs Club.
Columbia's Pride 1914 march Originally written as a piano vocal, Sousa converted this number into a march which demonstrates his patriotism.
The New York Hippodrome 1915 march A long running show at the theatre called Hip Hip Hooray for which the Sousa band played both a concert and backed up the show.
The Pathfinder of Panama 1915 march Sousa dedicated this march to the Opening of the Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco and may have been written by him on a earlier visit while director of the US marines band in 1892.
America First 1916 march Sousa was inspired to write this march by the words of President Woodrow Wilson who used the expression "America First" in a speech.
Willow Blossoms 1916 concert piece Dedicated to the management and patrons of Willow Grove   in Philadelphia where Sousa and his band performed on numerous occasions.
Boy Scouts of America 1916 march Sousa wrote this march at the request of the Boy Scouts and he was presented with a trophy as his reward.
The White Rose 1917 march A Commemorative march to celebrate White Rose day in York, Pennsylvania.
Liberty Loan 1917 march Written for the 4th Liberty Loan campaign of World War 1.
Wisconsin Forward Forever 1917 march This march was dedicated to the faculty and students of the University and remains in manuscript.
In Pulpit and Pew 1917 fantasy A medley of hymns often performed by Sousa on concerts and includes Abide with me and Onward Christian Soldiers.
The Naval Reserve 1917 march A World war I commemoration by Sousa to the boys in Blue.
US Field Artillery 1917 march This march was based on the song by Edmund L Gruber and is known worldwide as the "Caissons Go Rolling Along".
The Volunteers 1918 march Written for recruiting drives in World War 1.
Pushing On 1918 song Sousa wrote the music for the lyrics of a Chicago staff writer  named  Guy F Lee.
When the Boys Come Sailing Home 1918 song This song was originally composed for voice and piano and later arranged for band and the title tells the entire story.
Flags of Freedom 1918 march This march was seldom performed and was for the Liberty Loan drive in the US and contains national airs of France, Belgium, Italy and the United States.
Sabre and Spurs 1918 march A excellent example of Sousa's march writing talents and written for the officers and men of the 311th Cavalry of the United States Army.
We Are Coming 1918 march This composition was originally a song and eventually took on the march form.
USAAC 1918 march Dedicated to the US Army Ambulance Corps, 80% of which were decorated for bravery in World War 1.
Wedding march 1918 march Due to the anti German sentiment of the war Sousa was asked to write a new wedding march to replace those of Wagner  and Mendelssohn.
The Shanty-man's March 1918 march A march which employs several nautical airs.
Solid men to the Front 1918 march A hard hitting march, considered to be one of Sousa's finest.
Bullets and Bayonets 1918 march Dedicated to the Officers and men of the Us Infantry in World War 1.
Anchor and Star 1918 march Enthusiasm for the US Navy prompted Sousa to write this march.
The Golden Star 1919 slow march (dirge) This march was termed a dirge slow march) which was dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt's son Quentin killed during World War 1.
On the Campus 1920 march As the title suggests it was dedicated to collegians.
Who's Who in Navy Blue 1920 march This march was dedicated to the Indian-Tecumseh whose wooden figure was in front of Bancroft Hall at the US Naval Academy at Annapolis Md.
Camera Studies 1920 suite This suite contains three The Flashing Eyes of Andalusia, Drifting To Loveland and The Children's ball. The thematics were Spanish, a song and a children's song in a polka format.
Comrades of the Legion 1920 march Sousa was a member of several American Legion branches and he wrote this march to celebrate their American philosophy.
Keeping Step with the Union 1921 march Dedicated to Mrs. Warren G Harding .
Impressions at the Movies 1922 suite Scenes from Everyday Life, scenarios for cinematographers.
Leaves from my Notebook 1922 suite Three numbers represent three types of women-The Genial Hostess, The Campfire Girls and the Lively Flapper. It was never popular among bands but the Girl Guides adopted it as their own.
The Gallant Seventh 1922 march The New York national Guard unit the 7th Regiment of   the 107th National Guards. This march became one of Sousa's most popular compositions.
The Dauntless Battalion 1922 march The cadet student body at Pennsylvania Military College.
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine 1923 march This march was dedicated to the Shriners who were among the members of the Sousa's band. This march has retained its popularity even to this day.
Power and Glory 1923 march This march had as it's original title the March of the Mitten men and written for Thomas A Mitten of Philadelphia. Sousa included  Onward Christian Soldiers because it was Mitten's favorite march.
Marquette University 1924 march Written in appreciation for the Honorary Doctor of Music bestowed upon him by the University.
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company 1924 march This organization was chartered in 1537 in England and the march incorporates the song Auld Lang Syne. The most well known of these groups is in Boston.
The Black Horse Troop 1925 march Undoubtedly one Sousa's finest marches it was dedicated to the Ohio National Guard unit with the same name.
Cuba land 1925 suite A descriptive suite which was divided as Under The Spanish Flag, Under the American Flag and Under the Cuban Flag.
The Coeds of Michigan 1925 waltz A charming waltz dedicated to the University of Michigan.
The National Game 1925 march Sousa loved baseball and wrote this march at the invitation of the commissioner of Baseball.
Sesquicentennial Exposition  March 1926 march Written and dedicated to America's 100th and 150th anniversaries.
The Pride of the Wolverines 1926 march This march became the official march of the city of Detroit and was played several times to mark the Centennial of the city in 1950.
University of Nebraska 1926 march This march was known as the " The Cornhuskers" the sports appellation of the university but there is no doubt Sousa did not pen this march as the University of Nebraska.
The Minnesota march 1927 march For the University by the same name.
Magna Charta 1927 march Written as a tribute to the most important document ever written in the history of English speaking peoples.
The Atlantic City Pageant 1927 march The subject of this march was the Beauty contest held in Atlantic city each year and where Sousa's band appeared at the Steel Pier.
Riders for the Flag 1927 march This march was written for the 4th United States Infantry.
The Gridiron Club 1928 march Dedicated to the "Gridiron Club" of Washington, DC, an organization of political writers, editors & correspondents who "roast" the president & top government officials at a gala event each year. Sousa was the first of many Marine Band leaders to serve as the club's music director.
Easter Monday on the White House Lawn 1928 suite This composition was part of a suite Tales of Traveler and is descriptive of the US White House. This number was written in 1911but not added until 1928.
Prince Charming 1928 march There has been much speculation about the origin of this march and there is a good chance it was written to commemorate Sousa's meeting with Edwin Franko Goldman, who was indeed a charming man.
Golden Jubilee 1928 march Sousa celebrated his 50th year with this brilliant march, which Sousa considered one of his best.
New Mexico 1928 march Originally written and dedicated to the University of New Mexico , Sousa eventually changed that and it was named for the  state of New Mexico.
University of Illinois 1929 march Sousa's friendship with director of bands for U of I   AA Harding led to this dedication march.
Forsahy Tower Washington Memorial march   This march remains suppressed because of the illegal activities of the person for whom it was named.
La Flor De Sevilla 1929 march Written for and dedicated to the people of Spain.
Daughters of Texas 1929 march Dedicated to the Texas Woman's University, the original march by this name was used for another purpose and renamed.
The Legionnaires 1930 march This was one of Sousa's last efforts and was written to commemorate Washington and Lafayette two champions of Democracy.
The Royal Welch Fusiliers 1930 march Dedicated to the association of the US marines and the Welch Fusiliers during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, Sousa premiered this march with the2nd battalion band of the Royal Welch Fusiliers band in 1930.
Harmonica Wizard 1930 march Sousa dedicated this to the harmonica phenomenon of 1930's Harmonica Bands.
George Washington Bicentennial 1930 march Dedicated to the 200th birthday of George Washington.
The Salvation Army 1930 march Sousa was impressed by the Salvation Army volunteer musicians and conducted a massed Salvation army band in the premiere of this march.
Salute to Kansas (The Wildcats) 1930 or 1931 march This march remained in a fragment until arranged by Gay Corrie for Sousa's enshrinement in the Hall of fame of Great Americans in 1976.
The Northern Pines 1931 march Dedicated to the music camp at Interlochen Michigan.
Kansas Wildcats 1931 march Requested by the Kansas State College of Agriculture this march took a circuitous way to the school and had at least 2 other names before settling on this march.
A Century of Progress 1931 march The Sousa band had been engaged for the 1933 World's fair in Chicago but Sousa did not live to see the Fair (d 1932) however before his death he had completed this march.
The Aviators 1931 march Dedicated to the father of the Flattop (the Aircraft Carrier) Rear Admiral William A Moffett.
The Circumnavigators' club 1931 march This was considered  to be Sousa's last composition until an unnamed march showed up in his papers. It was for round the world travelers.

The information provided is from various sources and is mostly the work of Mr. Paul E Bierley Sousa's biographer and we are indebted to him for this insight.  This list does not represent everything Sousa wrote. There is a vast list of arrangements and various other works which he composed and arranged. This compilation does however list his recorded works (Presidents Own US Marine band 1978).For an in depth look at Sousa  it is strongly recommended that you obtain THE INCREDIBLE BAND OF JOHN PHILIP SOUSA  by Paul Bierley 2007 from ALTISSIMO RECORDS (see under BOOKS)