5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic Sousa style

S.D. · July 10, 2014

Contrary to what the one-star review says, these are all Sousa marches. This collection is a nice mix of well- and not-so-well known marches. Though the tempi run a bit brisk, most other aspects of the performances beautifully capture the (all too rarely heard) authentic Sousa style -- clean, detached articulation of short notes, strong (not sharp) accents, steady tempi (mostly — note that there should *never* be a ritard going into the grandioso!), terraced dynamics between repetitions of the strains — resulting in a wonderful buoyancy overall. The sound quality is pretty good for the age of the recording, and the balance is excellent, allowing the countermelodies and obbligatos to come through clearly (so essential to Sousa's "layer cake" constructions). I decided to add this album to my collection after our local classical station played a few marches from it on July 4 -- it was so refreshing to hear them played by a wind ensemble, instead of the Boston Pops! Sousa enthusiasts should also check out the New Sousa Band (in its earliest incarnation) and the Allentown Band.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful music

D.L. · April 7, 2021

I love John Philip Sousa; this CD met all my expectations.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rousing music for holidays

L.H. · July 24, 2014

How can you go thru the 4th of July holiday without some rousing John Phillip Souza marches? Got this one and also some of them played by British Coldstream Guards, no less. Both great!

5.0 out of 5 stars Treadmill music

R.R. · April 13, 2013

If you like the tunes you hear in the Thanksgiving Day parade this CD is very good. Am now walking faster on my treadmill. My husband however doesn't understand to whom I am waving.

1.0 out of 5 stars It's not really Sousa music.

M. · August 12, 2012

I was disappointed that this was not all John Phillip Sousa music, but other band songs. There is nothing overly special about this CD and I gave it away to the Used Book store at the library after I listened to it once.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sousa Marches

s.a. · July 1, 2014

Fun marching and uplifting music. The whole family loves it. Perfect for the 4th of July celebrations. Thank you very much

5.0 out of 5 stars Patriotic

T. · January 11, 2014

My father wanted something historic, patriotic and "foot tapping". He loves it! His feet haven't stopped yet. All we need now are fireworks.

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

A.V. · August 5, 2014

Love the sound - Love the music !

Quick March!

B.H. · December 14, 2012

This is a sparkling and exhilarating rendition of Sousa Marches.Marches occasionally made me turn up the car radio, only to be forgotten.The Liberty Bell March on this album made me want to stop the car, get out and march up the road.Conducting and marching is literally what I do when I play this in the privacy of my lounge.If you haven't got a collection of great marches, get this one.It'll do wonders for your mood and fitness, guaranteed.Ben haagsma.

Four Stars

K.C. · September 15, 2014

Very good buy

Five Stars

Z.T.C. · February 15, 2018

You cannot feel to be uplifted by this music.