I have been collecting
this series from the start and the earlier volumes have
given me considerable pleasure (see earlier
reviews). It
would be unreasonable to expect that every piece will give
equal
pleasure,
or
that there are not one or two on each disc which are frankly
routine, but the surprising thing is how much pleasure
each new disc brings. This is no exception, and even if
it lacks any of Sousa’s out and out masterpieces that does
not mean that the listener will not get innocent enjoyment
from it.
Innocent
enjoyment is indeed an appropriate term for the most unexpected
item here – “Sounds from the Revivals”, a
pot-pourri of
revivalist hymns including “Hold the fort” and “Sweet bye
and bye”. According to Keith Brion’s notes – as usual one
of the best aspects of the issue – this may have been written
originally for Offenbach’s orchestra, in which Sousa played
in the violin section, and later transcribed for wind band.
The idea of Offenbach conducting revivalist hymns is irresistible,
probably more so than the reality of a pleasant but not
really musically interesting piece.
In
contrast, “Sheridan’s Ride” is a battle piece, depicting
General Philip Sheridan’s ride to rejoin his troops in
the Civil War and then to lead them to victory in the Battle
of Cedar Creek. It has all the expected features of a battle
piece including the inevitable cannon effects. Like “Sounds
from the Revivals” it may be of limited musical interest,
but for anyone who can enjoy “Wellington’s Victory” or
even Ketèlbey’s “In a Camp of the Ancient Britons” it is
not to be missed.
All
of the rest are marches apart from the two longer dance
pieces – “The Presidential Polonaise” and the “Intaglio
Waltzes”. The former was intended as an alternative to “Hail
to the Chief” but unfortunately was not used as such, and
the latter is a set of waltzes which does not show the
composer at his best. As you might expect, that comes in
the marches. These are varied but consistently rousing,
with three drawing on music from Sousa’s operettas and
each of the rest having a distinct character within the
constraints of the form.
Once
again Keith Brion manages to obtain playing constantly
full of life and which sounds thoroughly idiomatic. If
you have not bought any of this series already this is
perhaps not the best to start with, but if you have already
enjoyed any of the earlier discs I can only urge you to
add this also to your collection. I see that Sousa wrote
136 marches as well as many other wind band pieces; long
may Naxos continue their exploration of this rich seam.
John Sheppard
Royal Artillery
Band/Keith Brion 
